Tension flared along Thika Road near Juja Town on Monday, September 1, after a SuperMetro matatu was set ablaze following a fatal road accident.
According to reports, the matatu allegedly knocked down a motorcyclist, sparking outrage among fellow riders who mobilized and torched the vehicle.
At the scene, a motorcycle believed to have been involved in the accident lay on the tarmac, while the body of the rider laid nearby.
According to images from the scene, flames and thick black smoke billowed from the matatu as the fire consumed its shell.
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This comes months after several people sustained injuries after a bus operated by Super Metro overturned in Juja along the busy Thika Superhighway.
In a statement on Tuesday, June 10, the bus company detailed that the lorry that collided with the bus was swerving along the road at a high speed.
In the process, the lorry hit the Super Metro bus that was ferrying passengers.
No fatalities were reported during the morning accident, however, two people sustained injuries.
"Super Metro Limited regrets to confirm that one of our buses was involved in a road incident this morning along Juja Road, involving a collision with a lorry. Preliminary reports indicate that the lorry was swerving at high speed before colliding with our bus," the statement read.
The company added that the matter was being investigated with the police after a report was made at Juja Police Station.
Super Metro also assured its passengers that it prioritizes safety standards, adding that the matter would be resolved conclusively.
"The incident has been reported to Juja Police Station, and Super Metro Limited is cooperating fully with the authorities to investigate the matter and ensure all necessary steps are taken. For further details, please contact Juja Police Station directly.
"Super Metro Limited remains steadfast in upholding the highest standards of transport responsibility, prioritizing the safety and well-being of our passengers and the public.
"We are committed to resolving this matter and will continue to work closely with the relevant authorities," the statement added.
Earlier in the year, NTSA suspended Super Metro until the company fully complied with the Public Service Vehicles Regulations, 2014, and other set conditions.
In a statement on Thursday, March 20, NTSA said the decision was necessitated by the need to ensure the company is compliant and has put in place safety measures to protect the lives of its passengers and other road users.
“This is to notify the Public that the Authority has suspended Super Metro Limited’s operator license until the Company fully complies with the Public Service Vehicles Regulations, 2014 and other set conditions.
"The decision was necessitated by the need to ensure the Company is not only compliant, but that it has put in place safety measures to protect the lives of its passengers and other road users,” the statement read in part.
The Authority directed Super Metro to present 294 vehicles with various violations to the respective speed limiter vendors for compliance checks.
The 294 vehicles were also to be taken for inspection at the Likoni Motor Vehicle Inspection Centre and obtain compliance reports for all the vehicles.
Super Metro was also ordered to present 42 drivers for a retest at the Likoni Driver Test Centre.
“The Company must present forty-two (42) drivers, out of the one hundred and nine (109) drivers with speed violations, for a retest at the Likoni Driver Test Centre. We note that 64 of the Company’s drivers failed a retest on 10th March 2025 and this led to the suspension of their respective driving licenses,” NTSA noted.
Other directives include; disengaging unqualified drivers, presenting signed contracts for their drivers and other staff including proof of compliance with Section 5(1)(e), a six-month record of staff payroll, PAYE, NSSF, and SHA remittances, and the company to conduct a road safety sensitization for all its drivers.
