NTSA Arrests Rongai Matatu Driver After Viral Stunt Sparks Public Outrage

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has taken action against a rogue Rongai matatu crew after a video of them performing dangerous stunts on the road caused a public uproar.

In a statement issued on Thursday, September 4, the NTSA confirmed that the driver of the matatu had been arrested and taken to court.

He is facing several traffic-related charges over the reckless incident that endangered both passengers and other road users.

The viral clip showed a matatu crew member clinging to the side of the vehicle with his entire body stretched outward, parallel to the road, while the bus was in motion.

The risky stunt grew even more dangerous when another crew member joined in, performing additional tricks as the vehicle continued driving.

According to NTSA, such reckless behavior poses serious risks to the lives of passengers and other motorists. “The stunt was not only careless but extremely dangerous.

Any sudden braking, a sharp corner, or quick acceleration could have thrown the crew member onto the road, resulting in severe injuries or even death,” the Authority explained.

The driver, who was directly responsible for allowing the stunt, was arrested and later arraigned in court. NTSA revealed that he was charged with multiple traffic offences and released on a cash bail of Ksh100,000 or alternatively a bond of Ksh300,000.

Public Anger Over Reckless Driving

The arrest followed widespread complaints from Kenyans who expressed outrage over the reckless behavior of the Rongai matatu crew.

Many citizens raised concerns about the increasing disregard for road safety by public service vehicles, especially those operating along busy routes like Rongai.

This comes at a time when NTSA had already launched a countrywide crackdown on reckless matatus.

The agency had directed law enforcement officers to take strict action against drivers and passengers who break traffic rules, with a special focus on vehicles transporting school children.

The crackdown is part of NTSA’s ongoing “Watoto Wafike Salama” campaign, which seeks to ensure that every child travelling to and from school does so safely. The initiative was rolled out as schools reopened for the new academic term.

Another Viral Matatu Clip Raises Concerns

Just last week, another disturbing video made rounds on social media, showing a Thika-bound matatu speeding while students dangerously leaned out of its windows.

Some of the students were seen banging on the vehicle as it sped down the road, raising alarms about the risks they were exposed to.

The incident, much like the Rongai case, quickly spread online and sparked heated debate over the safety of children commuting to school.

Parents, education stakeholders, and road safety advocates have since urged authorities to act firmly against rogue drivers and crews who continue to put lives at risk.

The NTSA has reiterated that it will not tolerate reckless behavior on Kenyan roads and promised to intensify enforcement operations to curb the rising cases of dangerous driving and careless stunts involving public service vehicles.

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