Bus Crashes Into Stalled Lorry on Nakuru-Eldoret Highway, Seven Injured

Seven passengers travelling aboard an Easy Coach bus were injured after the vehicle crashed into a stalled lorry at Ngata along the Nakuru-Eldoret highway. The accident occurred in the early hours of Monday, December 15, 2025, adding to growing concerns about night travel and road safety on one of Kenya’s busiest transport corridors.

According to county traffic police enforcement officer Ogola, the crash happened at around 3 am when the bus rammed into the lorry from behind. Preliminary reports indicate that the lorry may have developed mechanical problems, forcing it to stall on the road without adequate warning to oncoming motorists.

“The accident occurred at around 3 am, there was a stalled lorry on the road, and seven people were injured, but no one succumbed. We are managing the scene to clear, and in fact, I am rushing to the hospital to gather more details,” he said.

Emergency teams responded swiftly, helping to stabilize the injured passengers before they were taken to hospital for treatment. Authorities confirmed that none of the victims sustained life-threatening injuries, a fact that brought some relief to families and fellow travellers who rely on the route for long-distance travel.

What caused the Nakuru-Eldoret highway crash?

Police believe the stalled lorry played a central role in the accident. Ogola explained that drivers using the Nakuru-Eldoret highway must remain extremely cautious, especially during the festive season when traffic volumes surge significantly. The officer pointed out that some sections of the road are narrow, increasing the risk of accidents, particularly at night when visibility is reduced.

He urged drivers to slow down and remain alert, noting that speeding and poor visibility often turn minor mechanical issues into major accidents. Traffic officers continued to manage the scene for several hours to ensure the road was cleared and safe for other motorists.

The crash comes at a time when Kenyans are already on edge following another deadly road accident that occurred just days earlier.

How are recent highway accidents linked to rising safety concerns?

The Nakuru-Eldoret incident follows a tragic crash at Karai in Naivasha that claimed the life of former Lugari Member of Parliament Cyrus Jirongo. The fatal accident occurred along the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway on Saturday, December 13, 2025, also at around 3:00 a.m., reinforcing fears about night-time travel during peak holiday movement.

Confirming Jirongo’s death, Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka paid tribute to him as a national figure whose legacy would not be forgotten.

“Death has robbed us of one of our greatest sons. Rest in peace, Hon. Cyrus Jirongo,” Lusaka said.

COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli also mourned Jirongo, describing him as a pillar of both the Luhya community and the country.

“This morning, with a lot of shock and sadness, I have learnt of the passing on of Cyrus Jirongo, who was an asset to our community and Kenya. We love him, but God loved him more,” he wrote on X.

In the same crash that claimed Jirongo’s life, more than 50 passengers travelling to Busia aboard a Climax bus narrowly escaped death. Although shaken, all passengers survived and later reached their destinations safely.

One of the passengers, Simion Baraza, recounted the terrifying moments leading up to the collision, attributing the crash to a risky overtaking manoeuvre by the driver of a private car.

“We thank God who saved our lives in the wee hours of the night when a bus we were travelling in hit a private vehicle belonging to Jirongo. We had a long Friday night. My family had to put me into prayer after they could not communicate with me. I could hear my mum trying to reach me on the phone, but the phone was far away; it had flipped off after the accident,” Baraza said.

As investigations into both incidents continue, traffic police are renewing calls for vigilance, reduced speeds, and proper vehicle maintenance, especially during the festive season when thousands of Kenyans take to the highways at night.

By Modester Nasimiyu