‘Manyoka’ Stunt Driver Charged Over Fatal Crash That Killed Three

A Nairobi matatu driver has been charged over a crash along Enterprise Road that killed three passengers and injured two others.

Sammy Murigi Maina appeared before Milimani Magistrate Peter Mutai on Thursday and denied several charges of dangerous driving and vehicle safety violations. The charges relate to an incident involving an Isuzu minibus that prosecutors say overturned after hitting a kerb while negotiating a roundabout opposite KCB Bank at about 8pm.

According to the charge sheet, passengers Edwin Kago, Charles Brandy Wahome and Tamia Kalekye Nyambura died at the scene. Eugene Ongundi and Dominic Mulwa are listed as having suffered bodily harm.

Prosecutors allege that Maina was driving in a style known as “manyoka”, involving sharp swerves, sudden manoeuvres and high-speed stunts associated with Nairobi’s nganya culture. Maina also faces charges concerning the condition of the minibus. 

Prosecutors allege that the vehicle had been modified in ways that compromised passenger safety, including obstructed emergency exits, reduced headroom caused by multimedia screens, raised rear seats and power inverters installed in the driver’s cabin. The prosecution further alleges that tinted windows fitted with reflective films affected visibility.

During the bail hearing, Maina’s lawyer told the court that the accused learnt of the summons after seeing reports about the case in the media and subsequently presented himself to investigators. The defence asked the court to grant reasonable bail terms, citing Maina’s medical condition and describing him as a law-abiding citizen.

The prosecution opposed bail, arguing that Maina was a flight risk. Magistrate Mutai ordered that a pre-bail report be prepared within five days. He directed that Maina remain in custody until 24 September, when the court will rule on his bail application. The magistrate also ordered that Maina receive appropriate medical care while in custody.