Driver of Kisii killer matatu charged for killing 10 people

KISII: The driver of the matatu involved in an accident in which 10 people perished in Kisii has been charged with 11 counts, including causing deaths.

Edward Onchwari Moranga, 28, appeared before Chief Magistrate John Njoroge following the accident on February 14 along Kisii-Keroka road, Kisii County.

The charge sheet stated that on the material day the driver of a motor vehicle registration number KBJ 636S Toyota matatu did drive the said moto vehicle on a public road without a road service license.

Moranga was charged on the first count of operating a Public Service Vehicle (PSV) on a public road without road service license contrary to section 26(1) as read with section 26(7) of the National Transport and Safety Authority Act No.33 of 2012.

The driver was also charged with killing 9 people among them three juveniles, Diana Momanyi 17, Fabiani Birika 14 and Davis Omwoyo two and half years.

The suspect's lawyer Rubean Ombati requested for bond which the prosecutor object. Chief Magistrate Njoroge set 20th February to make a ruling over bond request.

The suspect pleaded not guilty and will be remanded at the Kisii GK prison.

The National Transport and Safety Authority – NTSA officials visited the scene of the accident and noted that the road crash was occasioned by the driver of a 14-seater Matatu, which is registered under AMMOTAK Sacco which operates on Nairobi-Kisii-Sirari route with a fleet of 30 vehicles.

In a statement signed by Francis Meja, Director General- NTSA, the PSV vehicle did not have a speed limiter, was un-roadworthy and without a Road Service License. Further, the vehicle did not have a Valid Vehicle Inspection Report.