On December 23rd, several video clips emerged of two matatu’s being recklessly driven on the highway. The vehicles in question were reportedly swerving on the road and had people hanging out from their windows.
The vehicles were descending in what seemed to be a climbing lane, while interchangeably performing stunts. The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) followed up on the matter and summoned the matatu owners a few hours later.
One of the drivers of the matatu was apprehended while the other fled, forcing police to launch a manhunt for him. In a statement, NTSA revealed that three additional suspects including the owners were charged and fined.
The three were arraigned at Kenol Law Courts. The updated disclosed that the driver of the matatu received the heaviest sanctions among the suspects of the viral matatu.
The NTSA stated that the driver who was being held at the Makuyu Police Station received a Sh. 120,000 fine. His driver’s license was also revoked for at least one year.
The owner of the matatu was penalized Sh. 20,000 while the conductor, reportedly the owner’s son, received a Sh. 12,000 fine.
Central Region Traffic boss Elizabeth Vivi urged the owner of the second matatu to surrender themselves to the nearest police station. She also cautioned against flouting of traffic rules 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,” she stated.
“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.”
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The NTSA has taken a raft of measures to ensure that road accidents are mitigated during the festivities. Some of the ways they have done this is by initiating a crackdown on driver misconduct on busy roads.
So far, numerous accidents have been recorded despite the authority’s best efforts. One such incident included a collision between 2 lorries that left over 40 people, including pedestrians, injured.
Many motorists have landed themselves in difficult spots when operating unroadworthy vehicles during this holiday period. Others were found in possession of invalid driving licenses as they planned their trips.
