Tension erupted along Thika Road near Juja Town on Monday after a Super Metro matatu was set ablaze following a deadly road accident that claimed the life of a motorcyclist.
According to reports, the matatu allegedly hit and killed the rider, sparking outrage among fellow motorcyclists. In retaliation, the riders mobilized and torched the vehicle. At the scene, the motorcycle believed to have been involved in the accident was left lying on the road, with the rider’s body nearby. Images from the incident showed the matatu engulfed in flames, sending thick black smoke into the air.
This tragic episode comes months after another Super Metro bus was involved in a crash along the busy Thika Superhighway in Juja. In that incident, a lorry swerving at high speed collided with a bus carrying passengers. While no fatalities were recorded, two passengers sustained injuries.
Following the June accident, Super Metro Limited issued a statement confirming the crash and assuring the public that the matter was reported to Juja Police Station. The company emphasized its commitment to safety and pledged full cooperation with authorities in investigations.
Super Metro has faced regulatory challenges this year. In March, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) suspended the company’s operating license, citing non-compliance with Public Service Vehicles Regulations, 2014. NTSA directed the operator to present 294 vehicles for compliance checks, inspection at the Likoni Motor Vehicle Inspection Centre, and proof of meeting all required safety standards.
Additionally, 42 drivers flagged for speeding violations were ordered to undergo retests, after 64 drivers had already failed retests earlier in March, leading to the suspension of their licenses. The authority also required Super Metro to disengage unqualified drivers, present signed contracts for staff, provide payroll and statutory compliance records, and conduct road safety training for all drivers.
Super Metro Limited, one of the most popular matatu operators in Nairobi, has pledged to comply with all regulatory demands while maintaining that passenger safety remains its top priority. Monday’s incident, however, has raised new concerns about safety and accountability on Kenya’s busy highways.
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