The education fraternity in Kenya is in mourning following a tragic road accident on January 31, 2026, where a public service vehicle (PSV) ploughed into teachers participating in union elections at City Primary School in Ngara, Nairobi.Â
A 33-seater matatu (reportedly from the Runka Sacco) lost control—allegedly due to brake failure or speeding—and rammed into a crowd of teachers who were either queuing to vote or leaving the venue after the Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) branch elections.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba confirmed that two teachers died; one died on the spot, and another succumbed to injuries while undergoing treatment. At least 26 other teachers were injured and rushed to facilities including Kenyatta National Hospital and MP Shah Hospital.
The accident brought the election process to a standstill, with ballot boxes temporarily abandoned as colleagues and emergency services scrambled to assist the victims.
The Ministry of Education has expressed deepest condolences and is coordinating with the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and the Ministry of Interior to manage the situation.
Police have arrested the driver of the matatu as investigations into the cause of the crash continue. The tragedy occurred on a day of widespread road incidents, as a separate accident in Nyeri County claimed the life of a learner after a school van overturned.
By Anthony Solly
