Five Keralites killed in tragic bus accident in Kenya

Five Keralites killed in tragic bus accident in Kenya

Mangalore Today News Network

Kenya, June 11, 2025: At least five Indian nationals from Kerala were killed and several others injured in a devastating road accident in Kenya on Monday. The victims were part of a 28-member tourist group, reportedly all Indian nationals residing in Qatar, who were on a sightseeing trip to Kenya.

The deceased have been identified as Riya Ann (41) and her daughter Tyra Rodrigues (8) from Palakkad, Geetha Shoji Isaac (58) from Thiruvalla, Jasna Kuttikkattuchalil (29), and Roohi Mehreen (18 months). Reports indicate that the group included 14 Malayalis, with the deceased hailing from the districts of Palakkad, Thrissur, and Pathanamthitta.

 

 

According to Kenyan media, a total of six people died in the accident, which occurred while the group was travelling in a private tour bus.

The accident happened at around 4:00pm on Monday in the Gichakha area along the Ol Kalou–Nakuru Road in Kenya’s Nyandarua County. The tourists were en route from Nakuru to a resort in Nyahururu, where they had planned to spend the night.

Amid heavy rainfall, their bus lost control while navigating a steep curve on a downhill slope. The vehicle veered off the road, overturned several times, and crashed onto a farm below. The impact was severe enough to tear off the bus’s roof. Six people died instantly on the spot.

At least 20 others sustained injuries, five of whom are reported to be in critical condition. Among the injured are Riya’s husband, Joel, and their son, Travis, who are currently undergoing treatment.

Local residents and police quickly responded, rushing the injured to a hospital in Nyahururu, where they are currently receiving treatment.

Indian authorities respond

The Indian Embassy in Qatar confirmed the incident and expressed condolences in an official statement: “A group of 28 Indians from Qatar were visiting Kenya, where their bus met with an unfortunate road accident yesterday. As per available information, five Indian nationals have lost their lives.”

A group of 28 Indians from Qatar were visiting Kenya, where their bus met with an unfortunate road accident yesterday. As per available information, 5 Indian nationals have lost their lives in the accident. Officials from HCI Nairobi are on the ground and extending all help (1/2)

— India in Qatar (@IndEmbDoha) June 10, 2025

The Embassy assured that its officials in Nairobi are on the ground to support those affected. Community organisations like ICC and ICBF are also coordinating relief efforts.

For emergency assistance, the Indian Embassy in Qatar can be contacted at +974 55097295.