KDF Officer Dies In Dawn Crash At Free Area In Nakuru

By Our Correspondent

A Kenya Defence Forces officer has died, while two colleagues were critically injured, following a dawn road crash at Free Area in the outskirts of Nakuru City on the Nairobi–Nakuru highway.

The accident involved a Mercedes-Benz E200-Class saloon car and a truck, both travelling towards Nakuru, according to eyewitnesses and police officers at the scene.

Witnesses said the saloon car rammed into the rear of the truck at about 2.30am, before veering off the road and crashing into a tree.

The officers were wearing Kenya Navy operational uniform, suggesting they were on official duty, though the vehicle carried civilian registration plates.

Martin Kibisu, who witnessed the crash, said the impact was severe and left the saloon car badly damaged along the busy highway stretch.

“The Mercedes hit the truck from behind, lost control and slammed into a tree,” Kibisu said, adding that he helped rush the injured officers to hospital.

The KDF driver died on the sport while the driver of the truck escaped unhurt.

Medical officer Alex Katu urged motorists to exercise caution on the highway, saying the two survivors, including a female officer, remained in critical condition.

Dr Katu said the injured officers could be stabilised with prompt and specialised medical attention, given the seriousness of their injuries.

Military police officers arrived at the scene minutes later to secure the area and assess circumstances surrounding the fatal crash.

An officer, who requested anonymity because he is not authorised to speak publicly, said the injured officers would be transferred to Nairobi for specialised treatment.

The crash adds to growing safety concerns along the Nairobi–Nakuru highway, one of the country’s busiest and most dangerous road corridors.

The highway has recorded frequent fatal crashes blamed on speeding, reckless overtaking, fatigue, and poor visibility, particularly at night and early morning hours.

Government data show the corridor consistently ranks among Kenya’s top accident black spots, with dozens of deaths reported annually.

The ongoing dualling of the highway is expected to significantly reduce accidents by separating traffic, improving visibility, and limiting dangerous overtaking.

Transport officials say the expanded road will also ease congestion, enhance emergency response access, and improve overall safety once fully completed.