A driver with the Super Metro matatu was arrested after a passenger was pushed off his vehicle and overrun in a dispute over Sh30 on Thika Road.
Police in Ruiru, Kiambu County said they had detained the driver and the matatu pending probe and possible prosecution. Police want passengers who were on board when the incident happened to come forward and help in the probe.
Some people living on the route have mobilized to boycott the use of the fleet in protest against the incident. This has hurt the fleet business.
The incident has caused public uproar over how the matatu crew which was operating along Thika Road, pushed a passenger from a matatu for lack of sufficient fare.
Disturbing images of the passenger who was allegedly pushed from the moving matatu has sparked anger and condemnation.
A tout who was part of the crew in the matatu allegedly pushed Gilbert Thuku Kimani from the matatu, causing his death.
The incident happened along Thika Road at Kahawa Sukari.
Thuku had boarded the matatu from Kahawa Wendani headed to Thika.
Witnesses say Thuku was to pay Sh80 as fare but he only had Sh50.
An altercation ensued between him and the tout, leading to Thuku being pushed out by the tout.
Upon realising what had happened, the matatu sped off from the scene, police say. Police were notified and the matatu was impounded and the driver arrested.
Ruiru Police Commander Charles Kibathi said he failed to stop.
“The driver who failed to stop where one passenger fell and he was overran by the rear tyre and he succumbed has been arrested. We are appealing to those who were inside the vehicle to come out and give us statements on what happened.”
“The driver will be charged for causing death by dangerous driving,” he said.
The incident has left the deceased family in shock.
A sombre mood engulfed the family home in Kandara, Murang’a County, as the family tries to come to terms with the loss of a man who was a father and a bread winner.
The matatu management said they are cooperating with the police over the tragedy.
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