Five Killed in Grisly Gilgil-Nakuru Highway Crash
Four occupants of the Toyota IST, including two women and two juveniles, died at the scene, according to preliminary police reports.
Photo: Courtesy.
By Robert Mutasi
Five people have died following a head-on collision involving an Easy Coach bus and a Toyota IST at Kikopey along the Gilgil-Nakuru highway.
The crash occurred at about 11pm on Sunday when the Easy Coach bus, which was travelling from Gilgil towards Nakuru, collided with the private vehicle under circumstances that remain unclear.
Four occupants of the Toyota IST, including two women and two juveniles, died at the scene, according to preliminary police reports.
The driver of the private vehicle sustained serious injuries in the collision and was taken to Gilgil Hospital for treatment. He later died while receiving medical attention, bringing the confirmed death toll to five.
Several other people were injured in the crash and were taken to hospital, where they were receiving treatment.
The impact left the vehicles badly damaged, with the wreckage of the private car highlighting the severity of the collision.
Gilgil Sub-County Police Commander Winston Mwakio confirmed the incident and said officers had opened investigations to establish the circumstances that led to the fatal crash.
Police are expected to examine the condition of the vehicles, statements from witnesses and other available evidence as part of the investigation.
The latest accident has renewed concerns over road safety along the Gilgil-Nakuru highway, particularly around the Kikopey and Kariandusi sections, where several serious crashes have been reported in recent years.
In January, five people were killed at the same general area after a 14-seater matatu collided with a trailer only days into the new year.
The area was also the scene of another deadly crash in September 2025, when 16 people died following a collision involving a matatu and a trailer near Kariandusi.
Police reports at the time indicated that the matatu had been attempting to overtake when it collided head-on with the trailer. Thirteen people died at the scene, while three others later succumbed to their injuries in hospital.
The repeated crashes have raised questions about road-user behaviour, overtaking practices and enforcement of traffic regulations along the busy highway.
The Gilgil-Nakuru road carries heavy traffic throughout the day, including long-distance buses, trucks, matatus and private vehicles. Poor judgement by drivers, excessive speed, dangerous overtaking and fatigue can increase the risk of serious collisions on such busy routes.
Authorities have continued to urge motorists to observe speed limits, avoid dangerous overtaking and remain alert, particularly at night.
The latest deaths are expected to renew calls for stronger enforcement of road safety regulations by the National Transport and Safety Authority and the police.
Investigations into Sunday’s crash are continuing as authorities work to establish what caused the two vehicles to collide and whether any traffic violations contributed to the deaths.
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