Several others were rushed to Mariakani hospital in critical condition following the Saturday morning crash.

The accident happened when the driver of the lorry attempted to overtake another vehicle along the busy road and rammed into the matatu.

The driver of the lorry which was heading to Mombasa from Nairobi escaped unhurt and fled the scene shortly after the accident.

Among those killed include a 4-year child who was in the matatu that was ferrying mourners to a funeral in Wundanyi.

The busy highway has seen a rising number of accidents, with 7 reported in the last week.