Rongai: Police impound two matatus in viral video for reckless driving

Police in Ongata Rongai, Kajiado County, have impounded two matatus captured in a now-viral video brazenly flouting traffic rules and regulations along the Karen-Rongai Road.

The video shows the two Isuzu buses, registration numbers KDQ 111T and KDG 195K, swerving recklessly through traffic, putting both other motorists and pedestrians at risk.

In addition, the vehicles were severely overloaded, with several youths seen perched on the roofs and hanging out of the matatus’ windows, seemingly oblivious to the danger they were putting themselves in.

The footage also shows a traffic police officer allowing the vehicles to pass without taking any action, despite their clear violation of traffic regulations.

A quick search on the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) portal has established that the KDQ 111T bus, named MoneyFest, is owned by 1998 Technologies, while the second vehicle, KDG 195K, known as Ambush, belongs to Expreso Limited.

Notably, the MoneyFest matatu has previously been linked to President William Ruto’s son, George.

After the videos made rounds online, dominating the conversation across multiple social media platforms, from TikTok to X, Kenyans roundly expressed their displeasure and strongly condemned the lawlessness exhibited by the privileged matatus, with many castigating NTSA for their apparent connivance in the matter.

Popular activist and matatu poet Willie Oeba wrote, "Kama Kenya kuna law, then hii Money Fest ya Mtoto wa Kasongo iko above the law!"

Someone else wrote, "Corrupt politicians and their children thrive in broken systems, including their businesses. Every weekend, they stand on podiums and ask our parents to teach us good manners. Why can't those in power teach their own children good manners first?"

Caroline Nolan also chimed in, saying, "This is enough evidence that William Ruto has failed both as President and as a parent. If his own children can behave like this on the roads, risking the lives of many and disturbing so much peace, why can't I just draw my cartoons in peace?"