NTSA Charges Owner, Driver & Conductor Of Matatu Driven Dangerously In Viral Video

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has revealed that the owner of the rogue matatu which was captured on video swerving recklessly has been charged.

The owner was arrested alongside the driver and the conductor of the matatu and were all charged after the video clip went viral on December 23, 2024.

NTSA in its update on Friday, December 27 broke down the fines imposed on the involved parties, with the driver hit with the heaviest sanctions. The driver was fined Ksh120,000 and had his license suspended for one year.

The authority added that the vehicle's owner was fined Ksh20,000, while the conductor, who is the owner's son, received a fine of Ksh12,000.

An image of a rogue matatu driver after being nabbed for swerving dangerously on a highway. /PHOTO

The three were arraigned at Kenol Law Courts. Speaking to the press, Central region traffic boss Elizabeth Vivi urged the owner of the second vehicle to surrender themselves to the nearest police station.

She further urged the members of the public and motorists to observe traffic rules as they travel during the festive season.

"What I want to urge the members of the public is that your lives matter and as you travel back to the cities from your homes, take note that traffic rules ought to be observed along the highways.

"We will be on the lookout. The second vehicle is still on the run. I want to urge the owner to avail themselves to the nearest police station in the next 24 hours,” Vivi remarked.

On December 23, the Authority was made aware of the video which captured two Public Service Vehicles (PSV) aimlessly swerving from left to right in what appeared to be a climbing lane.

In the video, one of the PSVs appeared to be overloaded, with several of its passengers hanging from the windows as the vehicle recklessly switched lanes in what looked like a stunt being performed by the driver.

The December 23 video caught the attention of the NTSA, who revealed hours later that the owners of the vehicles had been summoned. Unfortunately, the NTSA on Friday revealed that the driver of the other matatu involved in the same rogue practices was still at large but authorities had launched a manhunt.

This came as NTSA ramped up its crackdown on misconduct by drivers on busy highways in a bid to curtail the rampant road accidents that have characterised the festive season in Kenya every year.

In Kwale County, 19 motorists were arrested and charged with various traffic offences along the Dongo Kundu bypass. In a report on the ongoing compliance checks on major highways on Friday, December 20, NTSA detailed that the motorists were found to have failed to wear seatbelts and driving above stipulated speed limits.

Moreover, the motorists landed in hot soup for operating unroadworthy vehicles, contravening insurance policies and using illegal Public Service Vehicles (PSVs). Contravening insurance refers to a motorist violating the legal requirements of motor vehicle insurance.

The crackdown also began in Kirinyaga County with motorists urged to book and present their vehicles for inspection to avoid any inconveniences.

Kenyans were also urged to check if their driving license is valid as they plan their trips upcountry during the festive season, and any renewals of the same can be done via their eCitizen accounts.

NTSA officials conducting compliance checks in Kirinyaga County on December 19, 2024. /NTSA