Matatu drivers arrested after viral video plead guilty to traffic offenses

Two drivers of matatus plying the Nairobi-Rongai route, who were impounded after a viral video showed passengers dangerously dangling from the rooftops, have been arraigned in court.

John Mwangi and Dominic Amaya appeared before the Kibera Law Court Friday and pleaded guilty to charges of operating unroadworthy vehicles.

The offenses included having TV screens that distracted the drivers’ vision, a faulty braking system, tinted windscreens, and unauthorized lights.

Each driver was fined Ksh 50,000 or face a 6-month jail term. The vehicles, registration numbers KDG 195K and KDQ 111T, have been taken to the NTSA for re-inspection and re-authorisation.

The action follows a video shared widely on Wednesday, January 7, which showed the two popular matatus being driven recklessly with passengers dangerously riding atop the PSVs.

Reporting/photos by Farah Yusuf