The 34-year-old driver of a Kampala-Nairobi bus that collided head-on with a 14 seater matatu along Nakuru-Eldoret highway recently, has been released on bond after he denied causing the death of 15 people through careless driving.
Senior Resident Magistrate Daisy Mosse said the accused, Clement Kiarie was free to walk home pending hearing of the criminal case after he raised Sh1 million for the bond and two sureties of a similar amount.
Kiarie who works for a Uganda based bus company, Classic King is facing 15 counts of causing death by dangerous driving, contravening the use of insurance 3rd party policy, carrying 41 uninsured passengers and reckless driving.
He pleaded not guilty to all charges committed on 9th January, 2024 at Twin Bridge area in Kuresoi North sub-county.
Earlier on, the prosecution led by Patrick Kangethe had opposed his release on bond citing that he was at flight risk given that he worked for a foreign bus company
and would be difficult to trace him.
Additionally, Kiarie escaped from the accident scene and was arrested yesterday.
They also requested the court to consider the number of people who lost their lives during the horrific accident.
The case will be mentioned on 29th January of this year for pre-trial directions, where the hearing date will be slated and accused issued with statements that the prosecution will rely on during the case.
Kiarie whose bus was en route to Nairobi on the fateful day at around 3am collided head-on with a 14-seater matatu belonging to North ways Sacco travelling in the opposite direction.
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) director general, George Njao through a press statement identified lane indiscipline and dangerous overtaking on the part of the bus driver.
He also affirmed that investigations into the matter have commenced and urged motorists to be more vigilant when driving, especially during this period when children are going back to school.
Additionally, he said that action will be taken against all those flouting traffic rules.
By Emily Kadzo and Joel Angode
