There was a moment of sorrow and devastation earlier today after a stage tout, commonly known as kamagera, died instantly after a freak accident.

The tout, whose identity is yet to be identified, was allegedly hanging on the matatu door waiting for a moment to disembark from the public service vehicle after helping the main tout fill the matatu.

Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, Sikika Road Safety founder Daniel Kiilu, who confirmed the incident on his social media platforms, said unbeknownst to the kamagera who was dangerously hanging by the door, the matatu driver was about the change lanes.

In an instant, as the matatu was switching lanes, the kamagera fell and was run over by the same vehicle as it sped away.

"He died on the spot because the matatu ran him over. It was a shocking incident. After I received the reports, I coordinated with the Kasarani DTEO who arrived at the scene," the Sikika founder revealed.

Kiilu, whose organisation champions road safety and strict adherence to road traffic rules, said he has always warned against hanging by PSV doors, especially when the vehicles are in motion.

"Last week, I also attended a matatu sacco sensitisation program, and I warned the conductors against being at the door while the vehicles are in motion. It is also the same message I will send to all matatu crews. Ensure the doors are closed before moving because all it takes is one mistake, and a life is lost," he advised emphatically.

The news of the tout's death has broken the hearts of many on social media, with many urging touts especially to be at the forefront in observing road safety rules.

A section of social media users noted that the cold and rainy seasons tend to come with an increase in road accidents due to poor visibility and driver errors.

Other Kenyans, especially those who reside along Thika Road, noted that the road has become a black spot due to an increase in road accidents along the highway.

Kelvin Kimani Mbugua

"The stretch between Githurai and Garden city mall is a dangerous one. I operate along that route, and accidents are too many."

Muya George said:

"I also understand there is also a similar issue at CBD near the bus station. A bus knocked and run over a pedestrian near County bus station."

Koech Simon said:

"The level of madness in the matatu industry is very high, and it's not ending soon. Poleni sana."

Daniel Kimani

"Why hang on the door while bus is on highway, once the bus is full everyone should get seated until the next stage to avoid such incidents."

Thika Super Highway has been identified as one of the most hazardous roads in Nairobi and its environs, with a significant number of fatalities being recorded each year.

A previous report by the Nation noted that the Super Highway recorded a total of 103 road accident deaths in the year leading to June 2023.

Further, between January and April of 2024, Thika Superhighway had 13 fatalities, making it one of the deadliest roads in Nairobi during that period.

Over the course of 2024, 155 road accident fatalities occurred along the 50km Thika Road, which spans from the Nairobi to Kiambu counties.

Additionally, Outer Road was termed as Kenya's most dangerous road due to the high number of lives it claimed in the year leading to June 2023.

In the early hours of Thursday, another accident also occurred along Thika Road, near Garden City.

Horrific images showed that a saloon car crashed into the back of a truck and was reduced to wreckage.

Luckily, the motorist survived with minor injuries, and she is currently receiving treatment.

Source: TUKO.co.ke