George Ruto’s ‘Mood’ matatu sparks nganya culture craze and political chatter

Thousands of ecstatic 'Nganya' fans gathered at KICC on Friday night for an event dubbed 'Nganya Fest' which was held to celebrate, among other things, the Matatu culture as well as George Ruto's new matatu launch.

As George’s new 'Nganya', dubbed 'Mood' dazzled and gleamed, fans danced to Arbantone music amid a slight drizzle, in an evening packed with much energy, street pomp and significant substance.

Over the last two decades, Nairobi's vibrant matatu culture has evolved into more than just a mode of transport but also an avenue for creativity, showmanship and street credibility.

At KICC, thousands exploded into euphoria as they witnessed yet another flashy entrant into the streets - George Ruto's heavily souped-up 'Mood'.

And in keeping with the fastidious theme of the 'Nganya' culture, everything was on the table; pompous music, blinding lights, booming speakers, flashy graffiti and a little rowdiness.

At some point, Ruto's 'Mood' snaked through the packed crowd as fans cheered with maddening enthusiasm, some climbing atop the Matatu and others craving for a mere touch of the glistening spectacle.

It was the perfect launch of what has been billed as an industry game-changer, and a roaring emblem of the dynamic 'Nganya' universe.

It wasn't just Ruto's 'Mood' that was being launched - Matwana Culture, which runs the city's matatu psyche, also launched several other extravagantly flamboyant Matatus, all garishly splattered with glitzy lights and deafening music.

This was more than just an idle link up - this was an ode to the snazziness and swankiness which has continued to define the Matatu Culture, and a clear baptism of the culture's indomitable spirit.

Many people who consumed the news online reacted differently - while some hailed it as a fitting celebration of a special street culture, others slammed the thousands who turned up to watch as George Ruto unveiled his latest venture, many finding it an odd contrast with the Gen Z political mood of the nation.

Amid the noise and the rebuke, some voices attempted to find a silver lining in the event, hailing it as the establishment's recognition of a culture which has, often times, been viewed as chaotic, full of hooliganism and lawless.

Reacting to the event, popular Kibera-born rapper Octopizzo wrote, "Matatu culture in Kenya has evolved into more than just a means of public transport it’s a thriving ecosystem of art, music, design, and entrepreneurship."

"From graffiti artists and sound engineers to digital content creators, DJs, and custom interior fabricators, the industry is creating real, tangible jobs for thousands of young people."

He added, "What was once seen as chaotic and informal is now being recognized as a hub of street creativity, innovation, and cultural identity."

Octopizzo went on to urge Kenyans not to demonise George Ruto, as he was merely an investor in a culture which has taken over the world. He, instead, asked that people direct their anger at the government, not an individual investing in an industry he clearly admires.

"It’s important, however, to make a clear distinction: while individuals like George Ruto support and appreciate matatu culture, this doesn’t automatically mean the culture endorses the political regime. The Enemy is not George, the enemy is bad governance and killer government," he wrote.

Politician Booker Omole, the Secretary-General of the Communist Party Marxist Kenya, however, appeared to disagree.

He said, "We need dignified mass transport; a public metro rail and state-owned electric bus system, not a corrupt dynasty where George Ruto buys buses worth Ksh.15 million, funded by looting, then hires jobless influencers to trend it. Moi had Easy Coach. Ruto wants Easy Loot."

Another X user viewed the whole George Ruto matatu cozying as a political move, viewing it as something more than just a business.

"George Ruto is one of William Ruto’s key campaign tools. By 2027, he will likely have won over the hearts of many young people. I believe this is more of a strategic move to secure votes than a genuine investment. Sadly, many of you are falling for it," he said.

While agreeing with that narrative, activist Hanifa Adan said, "Yep! He infiltrated the Nganya Culture, exploiting it, through a free event on a Friday. He got the strategy perfectly right. We’re on social media calling the east boys “cheap” and all sorts of names when he went to where they are and exploited them well."

Amidst it all, reports circulating across social media have revealed that a popular tout named Mavela, was run over and killed by yet another matatu named 'Restoration' during the Matwana Culture fest at KICC.

Mavela's death is an indication of the clumsiness and obvious recklessness which dogs the 'Nganya' world, but many are still choosing to look over the ills and celebrate a culture which has, for years, fascinated not just Kenyans but the world.