Ruto sends condolences to victims of Nyeri road accident
By Faith Lagat, March 29, 2026President William Ruto has expressed his deepest sympathies following a horrific road accident that claimed 15 lives on Saturday evening, March 28, 2026, along the Nyeri-Mwega road near Dedan Kimathi University of Technology in Nyeri County.
In a statement posted on X, President Ruto said: “Our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences go out to the victims of the road accident that occurred this evening near Dedan Kimathi University in Nyeri County. We pray for the swift recovery of those injured.”
President Ruto assured that both the national and county governments are actively involved in supporting the victims’ families.
“The national government, in conjunction with the county government of Nyeri, is engaging with the affected families and will provide all necessary support during this difficult time. Pole sana,” he said
The crash involved a 14-seater matatu belonging to Nyekicha Sacco and a lorry transporting firewood. Police and eyewitness accounts indicated that the lorry driver swerved to avoid hitting a cyclist, lost control, and collided head-on with the oncoming matatu traveling from Nyeri town toward Mweiga.
The impact crushed the matatu and scattered debris across the road, trapping several passengers inside.
Rescue efforts and casualties
Rescue teams, including emergency crews and St John Ambulance, rushed to the scene to extract victims from the wreckage. Four people reportedly died on the spot, while others succumbed to injuries at Nyeri County Referral Hospital.
Nyeri Regional Traffic Commandant Elizabeth Vivi confirmed that ten males and one juvenile died on arrival, bringing the death toll to 15. Several passengers sustained serious injuries and were admitted in critical condition. Authorities are still working to identify all victims and determine the exact number of passengers on board.
The accident has left families devastated, particularly as many victims were believed to be young people, including university students and local commuters. Police sealed off the area to collect evidence, causing traffic disruptions for several hours.
Road safety concerns
The Nyeri-Nyahururu highway, often referred to as the Nyeri-Mwega section, is a busy route with a history of accidents. Poor visibility, mixed vehicle use, and recurring incidents have made it a known blackspot.
This crash has reignited concerns over road safety in Kenya, where road traffic accidents continue to claim thousands of lives each year.