Ten people have died in a grisly accident along Kikima- Kali-Machakos road in Makueni County.
The incident occurred in the Kwa Mbisu area in the Mbooni sub-county on Saturday, leaving seven other people dead.
Mbooni West deputy county commissioner Stanislaus Apwoka said scores of those who sustained injuries during the incident were rushed to Mbooni sub-county hospital for medical attention.
He said the 14-seater matatu had 17 passengers.
The driver of a 14-seater matatu that was headed to Machakos from Kikima is said to have lost control before landing in a ditch after it rolled several times.
The matatu was extensively damaged.
The bodies were removed from the wreckage and taken to the mortuary.
Eastern regional police commander Joseph Ole Napeiyan said the incident was reported to Mbooni police station as a fatal Road traffic accident.
"It occurred today at around 6.30 pm at Nthungoni Red Sea Area along Kikima - Machakos Road involving a 14-seater matatu belonging to MAKOS sacco being driven by John Mutune Makenzi aged 52 years," Ole Napeiyan told the Star by phone shortly after the incident.
Napeiyan confirmed that the said vehicle was headed to Machakos from Kikima when the accident occurred.
"On reaching at location of the accident, it lost control and veered off the road to the left side and it rolled several times landing into a valley. As a result, ten passengers lost their lives on the spot while seven others sustained serious injuries and were rushed to Mbooni sub-county hospital in critical condition," Napeiyan said.
He said police had launched investigations into the incident.
Makueni Chief Officer of Health Department Dr Stephen Ndolo has confirmed that Mbooni sub-county hospital has received 10 victims of the accident.
"We have received 10 injuries from the said accident. Two are in critical condition and we are preparing them for theatre. We have also dispatched additional blood to Mbooni Sub County Hospital to manage the situation," said Ndolo.
Ndolo added that they have sent 3 ambulances to be on stand-by for any referrals.
Makueni governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr has sent condolences to the families of the victims.
He urged drivers to be keen on the roads during this festive season.
Mbooni Ward Member of Makueni County Assembly Alexander Mulemba has urged drivers to be careful in this festive season.
He urged members of the public to avoid boarding vehicles with excess passengers to avoid deaths and injuries.