The High Court has delivered a ruling in a case involving George Oduor, the official driver of Kibra Member of Parliament Peter Orero.
This comes after Oduor was arraigned on Monday, October 13, for allegedly violating traffic rules. A viral video by CNN journalist Larry Madowo captured the driver dangerously overtaking vehicles along Oloitoktok Road in Nairobi on the wrong side of the road while hurling insults at other motorists.
MP Orero was also seen in the passenger seat during the incident. In its ruling, the court ordered the driver to pay a fine of Ksh100,000 or a one-year jail term. Oduor, who was driving MP Orero’s Toyota Prado, pleaded guilty to charges of dangerous overtaking and obstructing other road users. He further asked for forgiveness, saying it was his first offence.
Earlier this week, police launched a manhunt for the driver after the video stirred national outrage. The footage showed the MP’s vehicle aggressively confronting oncoming traffic, including Madowo’s car, which was travelling in the correct lane
In the video, the MP appeared unfazed by the commotion, even taunting Madowo to share the clip with President William Ruto. “Take [that video] to President William Ruto,” the driver and MP could be heard saying.
The provocation sparked a brief, heated back-and-forth between the two before Madowo, in response, retorted, “Okay, I will take it to Ruto — that’s the only thing you are afraid of?” The video, which went viral, ended with the MP’s vehicle driving off as the driver hurled insults at Madowo.
Public backlash and Police response
Following public backlash, the National Police Service (NPS) condemned, in a statement, the misuse of VIP privileges to flout traffic laws.
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Police spokesperson Michael Muchiri reiterated that only emergency vehicles — such as ambulances, fire engines, and the President or Deputy President’s convoys — are legally allowed to obstruct traffic under exceptional circumstances.
Traffic Police Commandant Fredrick Ochieng’ confirmed that the viral footage was used to identify the vehicle and positively link the driver to the offense.
“If we obtain the footage and confirm the vehicle’s registration details, we will summon the driver for questioning, after which appropriate action will be taken,” Ochieng’ stated.
Earlier, Ochieng’ also mentioned a separate ongoing investigation involving a vehicle using fake diplomatic number plates, further emphasizing the crackdown on VIP-related road misconduct.
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The incident has reignited public debate on recklessness and impunity by government officials on Kenyan roads. Social media users expressed anger over the conduct of the MP and his driver, with many calling for stronger action against misuse of power.
“That is an MP, a Kenyan leader. Kenyans have every reason to be worried,” wrote user Chrispory Ker on X.
The Motorists Association of Kenya echoed those concerns, stating: “We demand the immediate arrest and prosecution of the driver to deter similar misconduct. Carrying a VIP requires humility — not arrogance.”
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