George Ruto’s Moneyfest matatu has been wreaking havoc on Nairobi’s roads for quite some time, with its crew consistently flouting traffic regulations. The notorious vehicle, which operates along the busy Nairobi CBD to Rongai route, has become infamous for its reckless driving. With incidents of swerving into wrong lanes, ignoring road signs, and ignoring the safety of passengers, Moneyfest has brazenly ignored the laws that other drivers are held accountable to.
What’s even more frustrating for the public is the perceived impunity that comes with the vehicle’s ownership. Traffic police have been seen on multiple occasions watching the vehicle break the rules, seemingly unwilling to take action, perhaps due to the high-profile connections tied to the matatu’s owner—none other than President William Ruto’s son, George.
But after years of growing frustration, NTSA has sent a strong message: no one, regardless of their social status or political connections, is above the law.
In a bold move, NTSA tracked down Moneyfest, forced all passengers to disembark, and impounded the vehicle for reckless driving. This decisive action followed a surge of public outcry, with many questioning why vehicles owned by powerful figures seemed to operate above the law. The scene of Moneyfest being seized by NTSA sent a resounding message—no special treatment for anyone, no matter how influential they are.
The phrase “no special treatment” underscores a crucial principle that has long been a point of contention in Kenyan society: the law should apply equally to everyone, regardless of their position or influence. For years, Kenyans have witnessed high-profile figures getting away with blatant disregard for the rules, with little to no consequences. Whether it’s politicians, business tycoons, or their families, the pervasive sense of impunity has led to frustration among ordinary citizens, who feel they are held to a higher standard of conduct than the powerful elite.
In the case of Moneyfest, the public was growing increasingly weary of the idea that the son of the President, whose family holds enormous political power, could flout traffic laws with no repercussions. The actions of NTSA have therefore been hailed as a win for fairness and accountability. The move reinforces the notion that no matter your status—whether you are a member of a powerful political family, a wealthy businessperson, or a regular citizen—everyone should face the same legal standards.
by Newsmedia