Dozens of passengers were injured on Tuesday evening after a bus overturned and plunged into a river at Waruku, off Waiyaki Way in Nairobi.
Witnesses at the scene said the 33-seater bus was carrying passengers towards Kangemi when it veered off the road and toppled into the river. Emergency teams and residents rushed to the scene to rescue trapped passengers.
Nairobi County Environment Chief Officer Geoffrey Mosiria confirmed that at least 30 people had sustained injuries. “A bus has plunged into a river at Waruku, off Waiyaki Way, leaving over 30 people injured. Rescue operations are ongoing, and more than 20 victims have been taken to Riverside Medical Center, while others are still being evacuated. More ambulances are urgently needed,” he said.
Kileleshwa MCA Robert Alai called on the Kenya Red Cross and St. John Ambulance to assist in rescue efforts. “We have a major accident in Waruku. A 33-seater bus has plunged into the river. We are asking for rescue services,” he said.
Images from the scene showed rescuers and bystanders working frantically to pull passengers from the wreckage. The bus lay tipped on its side, partially submerged, as victims were carried to safety along the riverbank.
Police said the accident occurred around 5:30 PM and that investigations into its cause are ongoing.
The incident comes amid growing concern over road safety in Kenya. Police data shows more than 4,000 people are killed in road crashes every year.
According to NTSA, at least 5,856 people were involved in road accidents between January and April 2025, with motorcyclists and pillion passengers among the most affected. A nationwide crackdown on drunk driving and traffic violations is currently underway.
