A matatu tout has been arraigned in court to face murder charges after allegedly attacking and killing a colleague with a machete at Cabanas Stage in Embakasi, Nairobi.
The tragic incident reportedly occurred in 2019 after a heated argument over passengers between the accused and the deceased.
Witnesses claim the confrontation escalated near Rapid Kate Logistics, where the accused retrieved a panga hidden beneath his clothing and attacked his colleague.
Court documents indicate that the accused, in a fit of rage, slashed the deceased, Gidraph Mwangi Maroro, on the neck.
After Maroro fell to the ground, the accused inflicted further injuries on his cheeks. One witness, who feared for their safety after being threatened, fled the scene and later provided critical testimony.
The case has faced delays over the years, primarily due to judicial transfers, but significant progress was recently made.
Justice Kanyi Kimondo of the High Court ruled that the evidence presented by state witnesses was sufficient to establish a prima facie case against the accused.
“The accused is still presumed innocent at this stage. However, the inquiry here is to determine if there is enough evidence requiring the accused to defend themselves.
After reviewing the submissions, I find that a case has been established under Section 306(2) of the Criminal Procedure Code. As such, I place the accused on his defence,” Justice Kimondo stated.
This ruling means the accused will now have to present his defence as the case moves closer to its conclusion.
The matatu industry in Nairobi has long been associated with challenges stemming from the unruly conduct of some operators.
Violent altercations, like the one described in this case, have raised concerns about the need for stricter regulation and oversight in the sector.
In a separate case involving a public service vehicle, the High Court recently ordered the Metro Trans Sacco to compensate the family of a deceased man who was struck and killed by one of their buses in Mwiki, Kasarani.
The court, presided over by Justice Hellen Namisi, ruled that the family of the late Osethios Mutethia Nthiga should receive Ksh1,361,710 in compensation.
According to court documents, the deceased, aged 27 at the time of his death, worked as a butcher and was the sole breadwinner for his young family, earning approximately Ksh700 daily.
This ruling highlights the wider challenges faced by the public transport sector, where accountability and safety remain pressing issues. Families of victims often endure prolonged legal battles to secure justice, underscoring the urgent need for reforms within the industry.
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