Are George Ruto’s Matatus Untouchable on the Roads?
George Kimutai Ruto, son of President William Ruto, has once again stirred conversations with his latest matatu, Mood, just a week after its grand launch. Known for his flashy fleet, George’s vehicles, including MoneyFest and Matrix, have been at the center of multiple controversies involving traffic violations and high-speed stunts within Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD). Matatu fans have even crowned Mood with the title Kenya One, a label reserved for the city’s most iconic public transport vehicles.
Despite their popularity, the matatus have earned scrutiny for apparent immunity when it comes to traffic enforcement. Past footage has shown George’s matatus overtaking recklessly, dangerously swerving in restricted areas like City Hall Way, and even brushing off police presence during violations. A viral incident involving Mood showed bystanders warning officers not to touch the vehicle, suggesting repercussions like job transfers if any damage occurred.
What Did ‘Mood’s’ Driver Say About Police and Road Rules?
In an interview with Ghetto Radio, Mood’s driver, Lenny, dismissed claims that police avoid stopping George Ruto’s matatus. “Yes, they (police) can stop us, why wouldn’t they? They even stopped me the other day when I was driving it. The police are here to help us,” Lenny said.
He also challenged the idea that officers fear reprimanding matatus associated with the president’s family, calling the narrative an internet myth. “Those are just stories on the internet. The police stop our vehicles, and we comply. You just need to know how to coexist with them peacefully, because even though they are working. You can’t tell them not to stop a certain vehicle. Why would you? That’s their job.”
Why Do George Ruto’s Matatus Drive So Fast?
Lenny also addressed the claims of reckless driving, linking the fleet’s high speeds to efficiency rather than impunity. “People confuse being fast with impunity. The thing with these matatus is that they’re fast. These matatus observe time, because time is money,” he explained.
While he remained silent on the issue of police bribery, Lenny was adamant that the fleet follow the rules and isn’t above the law. His remarks paint a picture of a transport business determined to maintain both flair and compliance, even as public skepticism persists.
By Risper Akinyi