A Super Metro matatu driver has been taken into custody by Ruiru, Kiambu County, police after a passenger was killed after reportedly being pushed off the driving vehicle.
The incident, which saw a matatu staff operating along Thika Road pushing a passenger from a matatu for not paying enough, has prompted public outrage.
Anger and condemnation have been aroused by disturbing photos of the passenger who was allegedly shoved from the moving matatu.
On the tragic day, David Nderitu was driving the matatu in issue, which had registration number KDL 125N.
According to reports, Gilbert Thuku Kimani was killed after he was thrown out of the matatu by David and a tout who was on board.
The incident took place at Kahawa Sukari on Thika Road. From Kahawa Wendani, Gilbert had taken the matatu on his way to Thika.
According to witnesses, Gilbert only had Ksh. 50 when he was supposed to pay Ksh. 80 for his trip. After a fight broke out between him and the tout, the tout shoved Gilbert out.
The matatu fled the scene as soon as it realized what had transpired. After informing the police, the driver was taken into custody and the matatu was seized.
“The vehicle was driven by David Nderitu, who failed to stop where one passenger fell, and he was overran by the rear tyre and he succumbed,” stated Charles Kibathi, the commander of Ruiru Police. ” We are requesting that everyone who was inside the car come out and tell us what transpired.”
Gilbert’s family has been shocked by the incident. As the family struggles to cope with the death of a father and breadwinner, a somber atmosphere pervaded the Kandara, Murang’a County, household.
The family’s sole hope as they attempt to process this awful news is that those responsible will be held fully accountable by the law and that the nation’s wreck-less Matatu culture will come to an end.
