The drivers of two infamous public service vehicles (PSVs), popularly known as ‘Moneyfest’ and ‘Ambush,’ appeared before Kibera Law Courts in Nairobi on Thursday, facing charges for operating unroadworthy vehicles.
John Mwangi, the operator of vehicle KDG 195 (Ambush), and Dominic Amaya, driver of KDQ 111T (Moneyfest), both pleaded guilty to the charges. The court imposed a fine of Ksh. 50,000 each or, alternatively, a six-month jail sentence.
The arrests came after a viral video captured the two matatus recklessly swerving through traffic along the Karen-Rongai Road. The footage showed the vehicles dangerously overloaded, with youths sitting on the roofs and hanging out of windows, putting themselves and other road users at serious risk.
Adding to the controversy, the video also showed a traffic police officer allowing the vehicles to proceed without intervention, despite their blatant violations of traffic safety rules. The videos circulated widely on social media, sparking public outrage over reckless driving and lax enforcement of traffic laws.
Authorities emphasized that such behavior not only endangers the lives of passengers but also threatens motorists and pedestrians. The fines and potential jail terms are part of a wider crackdown on road safety violations in Nairobi, aimed at curbing the reckless culture among PSV operators.
By taking decisive action, law enforcement hopes to send a clear message that public safety on the roads is non-negotiable and that irresponsible driving will carry serious consequences.
