Matatu operators servicing the Nairobi-Ngong route are expressing outrage over what they describe as rampant impunity exhibited by George Ruto, the son of President William Ruto.
The operators accuse Ruto’s matatus of consistently flouting traffic rules and regulations mandated by their respective sacco groups.
A recent investigation by Citizen TV revealed shocking behavior from George Ruto’s matatus.
Footage showed them operating with apparent disregard for the law, including unlawful passenger drop-offs at Railways roundabout and reckless reversing in the busy Nairobi Central Business District, all happening in plain sight of police officers.
Operators are particularly frustrated by the blatant violation of regulations governing vehicles that ply the Ngong-Nairobi route.
While other matatus at the Railways stage typically endure lengthy waits—sometimes up to four hours—Ruto’s vehicles appear to bypass these established guidelines altogether.
Further compounding the issue, the matatus owned by George Ruto reportedly lack essential documentation, such as PSV insurance and road service licenses, and have not undergone the required vehicle inspections.
They are also said to operate independently of any registered sacco, raising serious concerns among other matatu operators.
The prevailing atmosphere of fear among police officers regarding potential repercussions for impounding Ruto’s matatus or arresting their operators only exacerbates the situation.
Many believe that officers are hesitant to act due to fears of job loss or unwanted transfers.
Matatu operators are now rallying against what they see as egregious violations of the law.
“Kuna magari watu wanasema ni za serikali. Gari hata haina jina ya sacco, gari inakuja hapa inareverse kwa roundabout askari wanaangalia tu,” lamented Wilfred Bosire, one of the frustrated operators.
Another operator, Jasper Bosire, voiced his concern over the apparent inability of authorities to address the issue, questioning the integrity of law enforcement.
“Askari wa trafiki kwanzia wapi mbaka regional commander hawezi kuongelea kuhusu hio gari. Hii ni nchi gani tunayoishi? People are scared, people can’t speak it but you see some of us have to speak it whether we are going to be abducted or not. We want fairness in doing business,” Bosire lamented.
He further emphasized, “His son cannot rape the same constitution that he is supposed to take care of.”
In response to the ongoing situation, operators are mobilizing for a demonstration scheduled for Wednesday, August 7, 2024.
“We are going to demonstrate in Nairobi. We are going to block all the roads because we can’t accept impunity,” declared Bosire, signaling that the discontent among matatu operators has reached a breaking point.
Matatu impunity uproar
Matatu operators protest impunity by some operators
Owners of 2 matatus accused of breaking traffic rulesVehicles operate along the Nairobi-Ngong route
Bosire: These vehicles do not belong to any Sacco#FridayNight @OBurrows pic.twitter.com/Za3Lqn9T3z— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) August 2, 2024
