George Ruto Is Not The Enemy: Musician Defends 'Mood' Matatu

Kenyan rapper Henry Ohanga alias Octopizzo has weighed in on the heated conversation that surfaced in the aftermath of the grand unveiling of 'MOOD', a brand new flashy matatu owned by President William Ruto's son, George Ruto.

Uproar ensued online after George held a concert at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on Friday night to mark the debut of his Ksh14 million matatu, an event which, free of charge, drew thousands of young people.

"From graffiti artists and sound engineers to digital content creators, DJs, and custom interior fabricators, the industry is creating real, tangible jobs for thousands of young people. What was once seen as chaotic and informal is now being recognized as a hub of street creativity, innovation, and cultural identity," he stated.

However, the Noma Ni hitmaker outlined that this did not mean that the matatu culture was in support of the Kenya Kwanza government and that the real enemy was its poor conduct and murderous tendencies, not George Ruto.

"It’s important, however, to make a clear distinction: while individuals like George Ruto support and appreciate matatu culture, this doesn’t automatically mean the culture endorses the political regime," he went on.

"The Enemy is not George, the enemy is bad governance and killer government. Ma3 Culture is a reflection of the people,complex, independent, and often resistant to co-option."

Octopizzo nonetheless supported George's efforts in rallying behind a long-standing culture that he says he is genuinely passionate about and understanding of. According to him, "His support represents a bridge,not control and it’s a sign of progress when leaders recognize and celebrate the raw, authentic expressions of Kenya’s urban youth."

The rapper urged Kenyans to focus on the creative milestone that has defined Kenya's modern culture instead of reading political undertones in every move. "Tuache feelings kidogo na tu celebrate culture (let's stop being emotional and celebrate the culture)," he concluded, calling for two of his tracks to be played in the new nganya; June 25th and Noma Ni.

Mood marks a fresh chapter in Kenya’s matatu culture, standing out as the first of its kind thanks to its unique features. The vehicle is said to have cost Ksh14 million and carries a customised number plate reportedly cleared by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).

Passengers on board can expect custom-designed bucket seats, each equipped with a cup holder and charging port. The matatu is also fully air-conditioned—offering a sharp contrast to the cramped, stuffy conditions typical of most public service vehicles.

As Kenya leans further into its distinctive urban subcultures, events like this ignite crucial discussions around identity, ownership, and the role of youth in shaping national narratives—not through politics alone, but through art.

At the end of the day, whether you're boarding a matatu for the music, the energy, or the iconic graffiti, one thing’s certain: the streets have a voice—and Kenya is paying attention.