Residents of Juja, Kiambu County, caused panic on Sunday afternoon, November 2, after a 33-seater minibus was set on fire following a fatal road accident.
The incident occurred along Thika Road near Juja town when the minibus reportedly lost control and knocked down a pedestrian, killing the person instantly.
Eyewitnesses say the accident drew immediate attention from boda boda riders and nearby residents, who confronted the driver before igniting the vehicle.
Footage from the scene showed the bus completely engulfed in flames, while onlookers maintained a safe distance.
The fire destroyed the minibus, leaving only a charred metallic frame. Fortunately, there were no other injuries reported.
The accident caused severe traffic disruptions on Thika Road, one of the busiest highways linking Nairobi CBD and Kiambu County, forcing motorists to use alternative routes.
Police arrived shortly afterward, cordoned off the area, and began investigating the incident while instructing residents to stay away.
The event has raised concerns about mob justice, particularly among boda boda riders, who have previously been involved in similar acts of vigilantism.
In September, a Super Metro minibus was torched on the same highway after it hit a resident.
The driver at the time explained the collision was unintentional and expressed regret to the victim's family.
Incidents like these highlight the dangers of public anger turning into violence.
Authorities continue to urge residents to allow law enforcement to handle accidents rather than taking matters into their own hands, emphasizing that such acts can escalate risks and destroy property.
While road accidents are not uncommon in the Nairobi metropolitan area, responses like this underscore the need for public awareness campaigns and stricter road safety enforcement.
Experts say quick emergency response, proper traffic management, and community education can help prevent loss of life and property in similar situations.
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