Kenya’s public transport system is often chaotic, unregulated, and dangerous. The recent incident involving Gilbert Thuo Kimani, who allegedly lost his life after being pushed out of a moving matatu over a fare dispute, has once again highlighted the risks passengers face daily. His story is not unique—countless Kenyans have suffered at the hands of ruthless matatu crews, and it is time to demand accountability and reform.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!This blog explores the events leading to Thuo’s tragic death, the state of Kenya’s public transport sector, and possible solutions to prevent such cases from recurring.
What Happened to Gilbert Thuo Kimani?
On March 13, 2025, reports surfaced that a young man named Gilbert Thuo Kimani had died after allegedly being thrown out of a moving matatu. According to eyewitness accounts, Thuo was on a Super Metro bus heading to Kahawa Wendani when a dispute arose over the fare.
The conductor reportedly asked him to pay KSh 80, but he only had KSh 50. An argument ensued, and things quickly escalated. Some reports claim that the conductor forcefully ejected Thuo from the moving vehicle, causing him to fall onto the road, where he was run over by the same matatu.
However, Super Metro has denied these allegations, stating that Thuo attempted to alight while the vehicle was still in motion and lost his footing. This conflicting narrative has sparked public outrage, with many calling for a thorough investigation to establish the truth.
Regardless of how exactly it happened, one thing is clear: a man lost his life over a mere KSh 30.
A Pattern of Violence in Public Transport
Unfortunately, Thuo’s case is not an isolated incident. Many Kenyans have fallen victim to the brutality of matatu crews.
Roysambu Incident: In 2023, a woman was pushed out of a moving matatu in Roysambu after a dispute over fare. She sustained serious injuries, and her family had to seek justice through social media campaigns.
Tom Mboya Street Case: In 2022, a passenger was ejected from a bus in the CBD for refusing to pay an inflated fare. He suffered multiple fractures but survived.
Nyahururu Tragedy: In 2019, a university student lost his life in Nyahururu after being thrown out of a moving vehicle by touts who accused him of delaying their schedule.
These cases expose a deeper problem in Kenya’s public transport sector: the lack of regulation, accountability, and protection for passengers.
Why Do Such Incidents Keep Happening?
The persistent violence in the public transport industry can be attributed to several factors:
- Lack of Regulation and Oversight
The matatu industry is largely controlled by cartels, making it difficult to enforce rules. Conductors and drivers operate with little fear of consequences, knowing that bribes can easily get them out of trouble.
- Greedy and Exploitative Practices
Fare disputes arise because matatu operators often hike prices arbitrarily. Passengers who protest are either mistreated, thrown out, or even assaulted. There is no structured fare system to protect commuters from exploitation.
- Impunity in the Matatu Sector
Most perpetrators of such crimes never face justice. In many cases, police officers demand bribes instead of investigating. Without strict law enforcement, matatu crews feel emboldened to continue their reckless behavior.
- Lack of Passenger Rights Awareness
Many Kenyans do not know their rights as passengers. Few report abuse because they fear victimization or believe that nothing will be done. A lack of legal support also discourages victims from seeking justice.
- Weak Public Transport Alternatives
Since Kenya lacks a well-structured public transport system, matatus dominate the sector. With limited alternatives, passengers have no choice but to rely on an industry that often prioritizes profit over safety.
The Role of the Government and Authorities
The Kenyan government has a responsibility to protect citizens from the dangers of the matatu industry. Several steps can be taken to ensure safety and accountability:
- Stricter Law Enforcement
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) must enforce stricter rules to regulate matatu crews. Any operator found engaging in violent or unsafe practices should face severe penalties, including lifetime bans from the industry.
- Implementation of Cashless Payment Systems
Fare disputes can be eliminated through a digital payment system. If all matatus adopt a standardized fare collection system, disagreements over pricing will become a thing of the past.
- Passenger Helplines and Reporting Systems
Authorities should set up active helplines where passengers can report mistreatment in real time. Social media has proven effective in exposing rogue matatu crews, but official channels should also be accessible.
- Alternative Public Transport Options
Expanding government-run transport services like the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system would provide passengers with safer alternatives, reducing reliance on matatus.
- Educating the Public on Passenger Rights
Public awareness campaigns can empower passengers to stand up for their rights. If more Kenyans understand what protections they are entitled to, fewer people will suffer in silence.
What Can Commuters Do to Stay Safe?
Until major reforms take place, passengers must take personal precautions to avoid falling victim to matatu violence:
Always Board at Designated Stops: Avoid rushing to catch moving vehicles, as this increases the risk of accidents.
Carry Exact Fare: If possible, always have the correct amount to avoid disputes.
Avoid Confrontations with Conductors: If a dispute arises, try to de-escalate the situation and report the issue later.
Note Vehicle Details: Take a photo or note the registration number of the matatu you board in case of any incident.
Report Abusive Matatu Crews: Use platforms like Twitter, NTSA’s website, or local police stations to report misconduct.
Conclusion: A Call for Change
The death of Gilbert Thuo Kimani is a tragic reminder of the deep-rooted issues in Kenya’s public transport system. His life, and the lives of many others before him, should not be lost in vain. The government must act decisively to regulate the industry, protect passengers, and hold perpetrators accountable.
As citizens, we must demand justice, speak out against matatu violence, and push for reforms that will ensure safer public transport for all. No one should ever have to die over a mere KSh 30.
What are your thoughts on this issue? Have you ever experienced mistreatment in a matatu? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Let’s continue this conversation and push for a safer, fairer transport system in Kenya.
