A young Somali-origin content creator was struck by a passenger bus on Tuesday evening while filming a roadside dance challenge at the dangerous Muthaiga underpass along Thika Road in Nairobi.
Eyewitnesses say the incident happened around 6:45 pm when the victim, dressed in a white hoodie and black tracksuit, stepped backwards into the busy carriageway without noticing the approaching Embassava bus travelling towards the city centre.
The short clip circulating on TikTok and WhatsApp groups shows a group of five young men performing a trending Somali dance routine just metres from speeding vehicles.
As the camera operator counted down the final moves, the victim moved out of the designated safe spot on the pavement and directly into the bus lane. The driver sounded the horn repeatedly but could not stop in time on the wet road surface.
Ambulance crews arrived within fifteen minutes, but conflicting reports continue to emerge about the young man’s condition. Some witnesses at the scene claim he succumbed to injuries before paramedics could administer first aid, while others say he was breathing and rushed to Kenyatta National Hospital in critical condition.
The Nairobi Traffic Police Commander confirmed they are investigating but declined to release the victim’s identity or medical status pending family notification.
The Muthaiga underpass has long been flagged as a black spot by road safety campaigners. Narrow pavements, poor lighting, and the sharp curve make it particularly risky for pedestrians, yet it remains a favourite location for Nairobi content creators chasing viral moments.
In the past six months alone, at least three other dance videos shot at the exact spot have garnered millions of views across TikTok and Instagram Reels. Friends of the injured creator have flooded his comment sections with prayers and pleas for updates.
One close friend who was part of the filming crew spoke anonymously to journalists at the scene. “We always film here because the background looks clean and the traffic gives energy to the video. We never thought something like this could happen so fast,” he said.
Road safety experts have renewed calls for stricter enforcement against roadside filming on major highways. The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) released a statement Wednesday morning reminding content creators that Thika Road is a controlled-access highway where stopping or performing on road shoulders is illegal.
They promised increased patrols at known viral video hotspots, including Muthaiga, Pangani roundabout, and Globe Cinema roundabout. The incident has sparked heated debate online about the lengths young creators will go to for content.
Popular Kenyan creator Mungai Eve warned her peers during an Instagram live session that “no video is worth dying for.” As of Wednesday afternoon, no official police report has been made public, and the bus involved remains impounded at Muthaiga Police Station.
The driver’s statement reportedly claims he was travelling below the 50 km/h speed limit when the young man suddenly appeared in front of the vehicle. The Somali community in Eastleigh has begun mobilising support for the family, with several business owners opening collection points in case medical bills or funeral expenses become necessary.
Community leaders are also engaging with Nairobi County officials to discuss installing barriers that would prevent pedestrians from accessing the dangerous curve altogether.
This tragic event serves as the latest warning about the real dangers of filming content on active roadways in Nairobi, where more than 3,000 pedestrians lose their lives annually, according to official statistics. Content creators across the city now face growing calls to prioritise safety over viral fame following Tuesday’s heartbreaking incident at Muthaiga underpass.
