The High Court of Kenya has directed the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to release two impounded matatus, including one linked to President William Ruto’s son, George Ruto.
The vehicles, “Moneyfest” and “Ambush,” were impounded after they were filmed driving on the wrong side of the road, breaking traffic regulations on the Nairobi CBD–Rongai route.
However, High Court Judge Justice Bahati Mwamuye on February 3, 2025, ordered NTSA and any related parties to return all motor vehicle registration plates and release all vehicles belonging to the petitioner that they had impounded.
However, if the vehicles were seized lawfully under another court order, they do not have to be returned.
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Petition Files in Court Against NTSA
The order was made pending the inter partes hearing of a petition filed by Lucy Wanjiku Mwangi.
The petitioners, who sought the return of the vehicles, were instructed to serve the application, petition, and court order to the NTSA and other parties involved by February 3, 2025.
Further, they were required to file an affidavit confirming service by February 4, 2025. The case is set for mention before Justice Lawrence N. Mugambi on February 25, 2025.
On the other hand, the drivers of the two Public Service Vehicles (PSVs), John Mwangi and Dominic Amaya, were arraigned in Kibera Law Courts on January 10, 2025.
They were charged with driving unroadworthy vehicles and pleaded guilty.
Consequently, the court imposed a Ksh50,000 fine on each driver or a six-month jail term in default.
Also Read: NTSA Issues Two-Week Ultimatum Over Unregistered Vehicles
NTSA Impounds the Vehicle
The vehicles, notorious for their reckless driving, were apprehended on January 9, 2025, following a joint operation by the police and NTSA officials.
The incident sparked widespread online outrage after videos surfaced showing the vehicles blatantly violating traffic rules. “Moneyfest,” in particular, had previously been linked to George Ruto, drawing additional attention to the case.
Additional footage captured a group of youths recording themselves atop the vehicle, while others were seen hanging from the door, highlighting the reckless behaviour.
However, there have been numerous complaints about the matatu’s conduct since it hit the Kenyan market, with Rongai residents going on record lamenting about traffic officers’ failure to bring the driver and owner to book.
Among the regulations the matatu has been accused of include bearing no Sacco names, skipping stage lines, picking and dropping passengers at undesignated areas among others
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