Different stakeholders including a traffic police officer operating in busy Nairobi streets have recounted why city Matatus linked to George Ruto continue to operate recklessly as law enforcers watch helplessly.
A police officer who spoke to The Standard on condition of anonymity revealed why many traffic police officers won’t dare touch the recklessly driven Matatus even if they personally spot the vehicles breaking traffic rules.
According to the officer, any traffic police officer who dares touch the Matatus is either transferred, embarrassed publicly by seniors, or threatened with disciplinary action. “We’ve stopped trying. If you touch them, you’ll either be redeployed or embarrassed by your bosses,” he said.
“These vehicles enjoy more freedom than even government ambulances.” the officer openly revealed.
Matatus such as Matrix, Manifest and Mood have been linked to George Ruto, son of President William Ruto.
They have been accused of breaking multiple traffic rules; speeding, picking and dropping passengers in unauthorized zones, and operating without registration plates or inspection stickers.
The Standard established that some of these vehicles are registered under proxies. One such individual is Kenneth Rono, said to be George’s trusted man in transport business.
While Manifest was once registered under Rono’s company, it currently operates without number plates, in clear defiance of the law.
Motorists Association of Kenya Chairman Peter Murima has accused NTSA and police of inaction and called on the EACC to audit state officials behind these rogue vehicles. “The Minister of Roads must be called out. NTSA must enforce rules or resign,” Murima said.
Nairobi residents continue to witness matatus dangerously speeding through high-security streets, blasting loud music, and being involved in incidents of violence and injury, with no consequences for the operators.
Reached for comment, Traffic police commander and NTSA had not responded to the inquiry by the time of going to press.
By Nairobi