Former Chief Justice David Maraga has expressed deep sadness over the loss of lives in a series of deadly accidents that have occurred in Kenya within the past 72 hours.

“I am saddened by the loss of life in accidents that have taken place in the past 72 hours with about 50 people killed and many more injured,” Maraga said in an X post on Saturday evening, August 9, 2025.

“We join the families of the victims of the Mwihoko, Naivasha, Kisumu and Kitengela accidents in mourning the deceased. We wish quick recovery to all the injured.”

The post comes as the country grapples with a wave of tragedies that have shocked many and brought attention to the issue of road and transport safety.

Recent major accidents

One of the worst accidents happened near Kitengela along the Nairobi-Namanga highway. A lorry and a 14-seater matatu collided head-on after the lorry driver lost control and crossed into the wrong lane.

Seven people died on the spot, and the number later rose to eight when the matatu driver died in hospital. Many others were seriously injured and are receiving treatment in local hospitals. Angry locals protested, demanding urgent road safety improvements such as speed bumps and better signage.

In Kisumu, a bus carrying mourners overturned at the notorious Coptic Roundabout on Friday evening. The crash claimed 25 lives, with many others injured. Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o visited the injured at the hospital and urged the Kenya National Highway Authority (KENHA) to urgently redesign the dangerous road to prevent further accidents. The roundabout is known for its poor design and has been the site of several fatal crashes this year.

In Mwihoko, Kiambu County, an AMREF plane crashed into residential homes on Thursday, killing all four people on board and several others on the ground. The black box has been recovered, and investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the crash. The accident caused widespread damage to houses and left families grieving.

Earlier in Naivasha, a Kenya Pipeline Company staff bus was hit by a cargo train at a railway crossing, killing nine people and injuring many more. The victims included KPC employees and contracted workers. Investigations are underway, and officials have pledged support to the affected families.

These tragic events highlight the urgent need for improved safety measures across Kenya’s roads and transport systems. Authorities have been urged to take swift action to prevent more loss of life.