What began as routine union elections descended into horror on Saturday evening when a runaway matatu slammed into a crowd of teachers outside City Primary School in Ngara, killing two educators and injuring 26 others.
The victims had just wrapped up voting in the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) Nairobi branch polls when the public service vehicle lost control, veered off the road, and ploughed straight into the group of teachers exiting the venue.
One teacher died instantly at the scene. A second succumbed to severe injuries while receiving emergency treatment. The remaining 26 injured were rushed to hospitals across Nairobi, including Aga Khan University Hospital (Parklands), Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi West Hospital, Scholastica, Radiant, and Mater hospitals.
As of Sunday morning, 13 teachers remain hospitalized—many in critical condition and undergoing surgery—while others have been treated and discharged. Reports indicate most of those still admitted are in stable but guarded condition, receiving intensive care.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, TSC Chairperson Jamleck Muturi, and senior KUPPET officials visited the wounded at Aga Khan Hospital, where the majority are being treated. CS Ogamba expressed deep sorrow and renewed urgency on road safety:
“We are losing far too many lives—teachers, students, and ordinary Kenyans—on our roads. These tragedies are preventable. We call on every driver to exercise extreme caution, especially near schools and pedestrian-heavy zones.”
The Teachers Service Commission confirmed it will cover all medical expenses through existing insurance schemes and provide psychosocial support to victims and grieving families.
KUPPET Secretary General Akelo Misori described the incident as “heartbreaking” for the entire teaching community:
“Our KUPPET family is devastated by this sudden loss. We are mobilising every resource to stand with the injured and bereaved.”
Police investigations continue into the exact cause—possible factors include driver error, mechanical failure, or excessive speed—with early reports pointing to the matatu losing control near the school gate.
The tragedy has reignited nationwide concern over road safety in busy urban areas, particularly around schools during high-traffic events. Colleagues, union leaders, and education stakeholders have flooded social media with tributes to the fallen teachers, whose service ended abruptly while fulfilling democratic duties.
As Nairobi mourns, the call grows louder: enough is enough—Kenya’s roads must become safer before more lives are shattered.
