A matatu driver has been sentenced to two months in prison over the death of his conductor who reportedly fell from a moving vehicle along Thika Superhighway.
According to reports, the suspect has been charged with failing to ensure the safety of a passenger on board a motor vehicle, an offence under traffic laws.
The court sentenced him to two months’ imprisonment, with an option of a Ksh15,000 fine instead of the custodial term.
The court ruled that although it is ordinarily the conductor’s duty to ensure the door is closed, the driver still bears responsibility to confirm safety measures have been observed before driving off.
A Matatu driver is charged after a conductor falls off the moving vehicle vehicle
It further noted that the suspect only learnt the conductor had fallen after passengers shouted and demanded he stop.
However, the suspect, identified as Momanyi, asked for leniency, telling the court he was a first-time offender and the sole breadwinner for his young family.
According to the post-morterm conducted, the deceased died from injuries sustained after the fall.
Furthermore, reports from police officers indicated that the vehicle had failed to meet some compliance standards.
