Mtito Andei Tragedy: Ruto Orders PSV Safety Crackdown After Deadly Highway Crash

President William Ruto has directed authorities to intensify inspections of public service vehicles following a devastating road crash at Kanga near Mtito Andei along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway that claimed 23 lives.

The accident, which occurred on Sunday morning, October 25, 2026, has renewed concerns over road safety and the enforcement of traffic regulations on one of Kenya’s busiest highways.

Ruto expressed his condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their loved ones, describing the incident as a painful loss for the country.

He also wished those injured a speedy recovery while urging motorists to exercise greater caution on the roads.

In his message, the President placed particular emphasis on drivers operating public service vehicles, calling on them to strictly observe traffic rules and prioritise the safety of passengers and other road users.

As part of the response, Ruto ordered relevant government agencies to carry out thorough inspections of public service vehicles to establish whether they meet the required safety standards.

The directive is expected to increase scrutiny of vehicles operating on major highways as authorities seek to prevent similar tragedies.

The crash involved a bus belonging to The Power of the Word Church International and an oncoming lorry.

The bus was reportedly carrying passengers returning from a burial ceremony and was travelling towards Mombasa when the collision occurred.

Initial reports indicated that 20 people died at the scene, while additional victims later succumbed to their injuries, pushing the reported death toll to 23.

Sixteen injured passengers were taken to Makindu Sub-County Hospital and Mtito Andei Hospital for medical attention.

The National Transport and Safety Authority, working together with the police, launched investigations into the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Preliminary findings suggested that improper overtaking could have contributed to the head-on collision, although investigators were yet to establish the complete sequence of events.

The tragedy has once again highlighted the dangers faced by motorists and passengers along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway.

It also comes only weeks after another deadly crash on the same highway claimed the lives of 17 pilgrims.

With the latest presidential directive, attention is now turning to vehicle inspections, driver discipline and stronger enforcement of road safety regulations.

For families affected by the Mtito Andei tragedy, however, the government’s actions come amid profound grief as they mourn loved ones lost in yet another devastating road accident.

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