Police summon owners of vehicles caught driving recklessly on Nyeri-Nairobi Highway

The National Police Service (NPS) has summoned the owners of two matatus captured in a now viral video dangerously swerving on Nyeri-Nairobi Highway in Makuyu, putting both motorists and pedestrians at risk.

In the undated video, the two matatus, Reg. Nos. KBH 889H and KCF 996R, are seen openly disregarding all road rules and regulations.

The vehicles can be seen dangerously swerving across the busy road, showing a complete lack of consideration for the potential danger they pose to other motorists behind them.

The footage was recorded by one of the drivers trailing the matatus, who can be heard, alongside his passengers, expressing astonishment at the recklessness unfolding before them.

The matatus occupants are also seen hanging dangerously from the vehicles' windows, seemingly unaware of the extreme risk they are taking.

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has since confirmed that the matatu, Reg. KBH889H, is owned by one Agnes Njeri Mwathi while the second matatu, Reg. No. KCF996R, is owned by Namuga Cooperative Savings and Credit Society Limited.

Central Region Traffic boss Elizabeth Vivi issued the summons, directing the owners of the matatus to present themselves and the vehicles to Makuyu Police Station immediately.

"We have summoned to the owners. Failure to appear before the police to write a statement  will lead to drastic action by NPS and NTSA" said the police boss.

"After investigations are done, the operators will be taken to court."

Section 47 of the Traffic Act dictates that it is an offense to drive recklessly or in a way that puts other motorists and pedestrians in danger.

If someone is caught driving recklessly for the first time, they can face a fine of up to Ksh.100,000 or be imprisoned for up to two years. For a second or subsequent offense, the fine increases to a maximum of Ksh.300,000, or a jail term of up to a year.

In addition, the court can cancel the driver’s license for up to two years.

The NPS and NTSA have urged motorists to be extra careful on the roads during this festive season; a period that has historically seen a spike in fatal road accidents.