Kenya: Boda Boda Rider Crashes Into Malaba Matatu

Nairobi Star (Nairobi)

Reuben Olita

28 June 2011

A boda boda operator crashed into a matatu in Malaba yesterday morning. Meshack Imo, 35, was thrown under the matatu and was trapped underneath the engine in the Malaba-Busia road accident. Malaba residents helped to retrieve the body after the matatu was overturned.

A man who was being ferried on the motorcycle suffered broken limbs and was rushed to Kocholia District Hospital. Siraji Wanja, a welder said the matatu which was being driven by a tout was trying to negotiate a corner at high speed when it collided with the on-coming cylist. The cyclist’s father, Sebastiano Inagai, fainted when he saw the remains of his son.

Meshack’s widow, Beatrice Amusugut, 30, said life will not be the same again as her husband was the breadwinner in her family of six. Residents blamed Malaba Town Council for failing to construct the Malaba-Busia road. But council chairman Chrisntus Ipala said the Kenya Roads Authority which maintains the roads and should be held accountable.

The matatu which is owned by a prominent Malaba businessman was towed to the Malaba police station. Residents had stormed the Malaba police station to view the body which had been brought to the station en route to the mortuary but the police to sent them away. The police removed the body to Bungoma District Hospital mortuary as they launched investigations into the incident.

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