A heated argument over a Sh80 bus fare ended in tragedy on Tuesday evening when a Super Metro tout allegedly threw a passenger out of a moving vehicle, leading to his death.
The incident occurred inside a Super Metro bus, registration number KDL 125N, which was en route from Nairobi to Ruiru. The victim, identified as Gilbert Thuo Kimani, a middle-aged man from Kandara, Murang’a County, had boarded the bus at the city center.
Witnesses say the dispute began when the tout insisted that the fare was Sh80, but Gilbert only had Sh50.
“Nimesema gari ni 80!” (I have said the fare is 80!), the tout reportedly shouted.
Gilbert pleaded, explaining that he had just Sh50 after a long day of hustling. But the tout grew increasingly agitated, questioning why he had boarded the bus without the full fare.
As the argument escalated, the bus was approaching Kahawa Wendani at high speed. Then, in a shocking turn of events, the tout allegedly opened the door and forcefully pushed Gilbert out of the moving vehicle. He hit the ground with a heavy thud.
Other passengers screamed in horror as the driver sped away, leaving Gilbert lying motionless by the roadside. Bystanders rushed to his aid, but it was too late. A postmortem later revealed that he had suffered multiple fractures, breaking all his ribs, hands, and legs.
Super Metro, one of Nairobi’s most reputable matatu companies, has since responded to the incident. In a statement, the company expressed its condolences to Gilbert’s family and suspended the crew involved.
“No one should lose their life in such a senseless manner. We do not condone reckless behavior, and we are fully cooperating with authorities to ensure justice is served,” the company said.
Police have launched investigations, with calls mounting for stern action against the perpetrator. Gilbert’s family is demanding justice, saying he was a hardworking man who did not deserve such a cruel death.
The tragedy has sparked outrage, with Kenyans calling for stricter regulations on matatu conductors to prevent such incidents in the future.
