Five people have died and several others were seriously injured in a horrific multi-vehicle collision along the Nakuru-Nairobi Highway in Kenya.
The accident occurred in the Kikopey area of Gilgil today, 3rd January 2026, and involved a Great Rift Shuttle 14-seater matatu (registration KCS 317M), a Beiben truck (registration UAY 036P/UAY 696P), and a Mercedes Actros trailer (registration KAY 648Y/ZC 7054).
According to preliminary investigations, another truck was ahead of the matatu, causing it to be trapped between the moving Beiben truck and the stationary Mercedes Actros.
The crash left five passengers dead at the scene, while several others sustained serious injuries.
Gilgil Sub-County Police Commander Winsone Mwakio confirmed the incident, explaining that the trailer lost control moments before colliding with the Toyota Hiace matatu traveling to Bungoma.
“All vehicles were moving from Gilgil towards Nakuru. The Beiben truck failed to maintain a safe distance and rammed into the rear of the matatu, pushing it into the stationary Mercedes Actros, resulting in this tragic collision,” Mwakio said.
The injured were rushed to Gilgil Sub-County Hospital and St. Joseph Mission Hospital, where they remain in critical condition.
Mwakio warned that the death toll could still rise due to the severity of the accident.
He added that the matatu suffered extensive damage, and the Beiben truck sustained severe frontal damage.
Both vehicles were towed to the police station, while the Mercedes Actros was driven there.
“All vehicles remain detained pending inspection, and the incident is being investigated as a PUI under Cause Code 29,” he stated.
The highway remained congested for hours, with emergency responders and traffic officials managing the scene and assisting victims.
Authorities have urged motorists to exercise extreme caution along the Nakuru-Nairobi Highway.
This tragic incident comes just a day after another fatal accident on Mombasa Road near Konza City on 2nd January 2026, where a bus and a 19-seater Nissan collided around 10:05 PM.
Eleven people were injured and taken to Machakos Level 5 Hospital, where two male patients later died. Combined with six fatalities at the scene, the total death toll from that crash rose to eight.
These back-to-back collisions on Kenya’s major highways highlight the ongoing dangers faced by road users.
Authorities continue to call on drivers to adhere to traffic regulations, maintain safe distances, and drive responsibly. Road safety remains a pressing concern, emphasizing the need for increased vigilance, stricter enforcement, and public awareness to prevent further loss of life.
