A video has surfaced online showing a matatu driver pulling a dangerous stunt along a Nairobi road. A driver’s antics drew criticism from Kenyans. Photos: Matwana Matatu Culture and Nganya Kenya. Source: Facebook Was Nairobi matatu driven dangerously? The driver and two passengers were seen vibing to a dancehall song while driving. The souped-up matatu featured numerous speakers and a fan to cool down the equipment and passengers, among other features.
The driver wore a football jersey and military-style hat. The caption suggested that the matatu is Restoration, which plies the Embakasi route. At some point, the driver got carried away and took his hands off the steering wheel. The vehicle kept its course, but netizens were concerned it could have caused a serious accident.
Andrei Aim Gromyko: “A random guy in the back seat thinking he’s in safe hands while the driver’s hands are in the air.” Monie Kariuki: “Jesus is the driver.” Wangui Chege: “Where I am, if a street camera spots you without a safety belt, you will be arrested.” Wanjiru Kabuthia: “Remembering how such things behaviours excited me back in the day. Now I am fearing on their behalf.” Samson Mugo: “That’s very wrong. This should be condemned.
A driver should not be allowed to behave like this on Kenyan soil. This is the highest level of absurdity.” Kepha Buti: “Where is the cameraman?” Geoffrey Wainaina: “This is stupidity, and I highly condemn it.” Are Kenyan matatu drivers reckless? The incident is the latest in a string of reckless behaviour plaguing the matatu industry. Earlier this month, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) took action on two matatus that were seen being recklessly driven along Magadi Road, Nairobi.
The two, Money Fest and Kratos, were filmed overlapping while competing for passengers. Money Fest, owned by President William Ruto’s son George, was seen being driven with two young men sitting at the top. In a Thursday, January 9 update, the NTSA said they had impounded the vehicles. Money Fest’s driver, Dominic Amaya, alias Kinara, and John Mwangi of Kratos were arraigned at the Kibera Law Courts.
They were charged with driving unroadworthy vehicles and pleaded guilty to the charges. They were fined KSh 50,000 or face six months in jail. A photo shared on Money Fest’s page showed the two drivers in cuffs at the court.
by William Osoro
