President William Ruto’s son, George Ruto, has once again stirred public interest after being seen at a Nairobi garage where a brand new, highly customised matatu—believed to be part of his growing transport business—was undergoing final touches before its official launch.
Newshub.co.ke has obtained exclusive details and a first look at the luxury matatu, which is set to be unveiled next week. This latest development has sparked excitement among fans of Nairobi’s vibrant and competitive matatu culture, with many eager to see which routes the new vehicle will serve.
According to Branden Marshall, a well-known figure in the matatu industry and the face behind the popular brand “Matatu Galore,” the matatu is likely to operate along the Embakasi and Rongai routes. This follows the earlier reassignment of another matatu in George Ruto’s fleet—famously known as Manifest—which was moved from Rongai to Embakasi after drawing criticism over its past road conduct.
“There is a lot of buzz going around. Drivers are already showing up in anticipation, hoping to be recruited to drive this new matatu. Many are lobbying for it to be stationed either on the Rongai or Embakasi route,” Marshall told Newshub.co.ke.
However, insider reports also suggest that the matatu might not follow the traditional public service route.
There are strong indications it could be used in the private or corporate sector as a high-end vehicle for hire. If this happens, it would represent a major shift from the typical PSV model to a more exclusive, event-based or VIP transport service.
The matatu, which has been named Doom, is already causing a stir online after George Ruto was spotted posing next to it, proudly holding a customised number plate. This photo quickly went viral, igniting curiosity and speculation across social media.
Sources close to the project have revealed that Doom will be packed with top-of-the-line features. These include a massive 65-inch television screen, a professional DJ mixing deck, solar panels, and specially imported luxury bucket seats from China.
Unlike the traditional 32-seater layout found in most Kenyan matatus, Doom will feature a more spacious and premium 25-seater layout.
The bucket seats will follow a 2-by-1 seating arrangement, offering passengers more comfort and space. On top of that, a fully installed DJ booth will be part of the interior design, making the matatu ideal not just for commuting but also for events, parties, and special occasions.
The entire project is estimated to have cost between Ksh13 million and Ksh14 million, making it one of the most expensive matatus ever built in Kenya.
The cost of the chassis and the bodywork reportedly came to around Ksh6.8 million. The customised lighting setup alone cost roughly Ksh2.5 million, while the sound system added another Ksh300,000 to the total.
With its high-tech features, sleek design, and luxurious feel, Doom is expected to turn heads and set a new standard in Kenya’s matatu industry.
Whether it ends up serving passengers on the Embakasi or Rongai route—or becomes a premium hire vehicle for private events—one thing is certain: it will leave a lasting impression in the ever-evolving Kenyan transport scene.
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