The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) on Thursday, January 9, impounded two matatus branded Moneyfest, linked to President William Ruto’s son, George Ruto. The action followed the circulation of a viral video showing the vehicles being driven recklessly, putting passengers and other road users at risk.
The video, widely shared on Wednesday, January 7, captured the matatus, which ply the Nairobi-Ongata Rongai route, flouting traffic regulations. Reckless driving was evident, with individuals seen dangerously riding on the roof of one vehicle.
When William Ruto's son George Matatu kill passengers and maim others on Langata – Rongai route in 2025, what will you say, @ntsa_kenya? What will police Chief say, @NPSC_KE? That the law doesn't apply to George and this road hog? Are you afraid of William Ruto and his son? pic.twitter.com/lmiqETxAoL
— Saddique Shaban (@SaddiqueShaban) January 9, 2025
One clip showed the matatu speeding, overtaking dangerously, and narrowly avoiding a collision with an oncoming lorry. Despite the near-miss, the driver continued to maneuver aggressively, intimidating motorists stuck in traffic and blaring the horn amid cheers from passengers.
And if these are the @NPSOfficial_KE police officers expected to reign in on the PSV impunity by William Ruto's son, George and others, then Kenya is doomed. The public will never be safe on the road for as long as William Ruto is President.
— Saddique Shaban (@SaddiqueShaban) January 9, 2025
pic.twitter.com/zvdj4LRlMJ
In another instance, one of the overloaded matatus was caught on video nearly crashing into a Mercedes-Benz while attempting to overlap on the busy Magadi Road.
The footage sparked widespread outrage among Kenyans, who expressed concerns over the dangers posed by rogue public service vehicles (PSVs).
“When William Ruto’s son George’s matatu kills passengers or maims others on the Langata-Rongai route in 2025, what will you say, NTSA?” journalist Saddique Shaban questioned on X (formerly Twitter). “What will the police chief say? That the law doesn’t apply to George and this road hog? Are you afraid of William Ruto and his son?”
Update: We thank you for bringing this to our attention. The two PSVs are at the Police Station for processing and further action.#usalamabarabarani #NTSA #watotowafikesalama https://t.co/52PuyEmZl2 pic.twitter.com/8GCXEC7ja5
— NTSA KENYA (@ntsa_kenya) January 9, 2025
Responding to Saddique and the public outcry, NTSA confirmed the impounding of the vehicles, which are linked to George Ruto.
“We thank you for bringing this to our attention. The two PSVs are at the police station for processing and further action,” NTSA stated.
The Moneyfest matatus first gained attention in August 2024, amid reports linking them to a close relative of a senior government official. Since entering the market, the vehicles have faced numerous allegations, including skipping stage lines, lacking Sacco affiliation, and indiscriminately picking and dropping passengers.
Rongai residents have previously expressed frustration over the matatus’ impunity, with one resident noting in August, “These vehicles are untouchable. The drivers have more influence than traffic officers.”
NTSA’s action is part of an ongoing crackdown on rogue PSVs. In December 2024, similar measures were taken against another matatu involved in reckless driving. Following the release of a viral video on December 23, 2024, the matatu owner, driver, and conductor were arrested and charged.
The driver faced the heaviest penalties, with a fine of Ksh120,000 and a one-year license suspension. The owner was fined Ksh20,000, while the conductor, who was revealed to be the owner’s son, was fined Ksh12,000.
NTSA has reiterated its commitment to enforcing traffic regulations and ensuring the safety of road users, regardless of the individuals involved.
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