By Mumo Judah, Nairobi, June 5, 2026
Grieving families flocked to the Nairobi Funeral Home, formerly known as City Mortuary, on Thursday as they sought to identify the bodies of loved ones who perished in a tragic road accident involving the popular Komarock route 19C matatu popularly known as “Detat.”
The devastating crash occurred on Wednesday evening along Enterprise Road in Nairobi’s Industrial Area, opposite KCB Bank and near Nairobi Prison, after the heavily customized public service vehicle reportedly lost control and overturned.
The accident left at least six people dead, while several others sustained serious injuries and were rushed to various hospitals in Nairobi for treatment. Emergency responders, including personnel from the Kenya Red Cross and traffic police officers, worked through the night to rescue victims trapped inside the wreckage and clear the scene.
At the Nairobi Funeral Home, emotional scenes unfolded as relatives waited anxiously to confirm the identities of those who lost their lives. Many family members described receiving distressing phone calls late Wednesday night informing them that their relatives had been involved in the accident.
Preliminary accounts from witnesses suggest that the matatu was being driven at high speed moments before the crash. Some witnesses alleged that the vehicle was performing dangerous maneuvers commonly referred to as “manyoka” along the busy road. Others claimed that several young passengers were hanging from the vehicle’s doors shortly before it overturned.
Distraught relatives who spoke to the media questioned the circumstances surrounding the accident and called for a thorough investigation into the conduct of the driver and the management of the vehicle. Some family members alleged that the driver may have been intoxicated, although authorities have yet to confirm those claims.
The tragedy has reignited concerns over reckless driving, dangerous modifications on public service vehicles, and lax enforcement of traffic regulations. Families of the victims are now demanding stricter oversight of matatu operators and SACCOs to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
Public outrage has also grown on social media following the circulation of videos reportedly recorded inside the matatu shortly before the crash. The footage showed passengers interacting and enjoying the ride, unaware that tragedy was only moments away.
As investigations continue, traffic police are expected to analyze the vehicle’s condition, interview survivors and witnesses, and establish the exact cause of the accident. Authorities have urged members of the public to avoid speculation and allow investigators to complete their work.
Meanwhile, families continue to mourn their loved ones as they begin funeral preparations, with many hoping that the findings of the investigation will provide answers and accountability for one of Nairobi’s deadliest road accidents in recent months.
