The driver of a rogue matatu whose crew was captured engaging in a daring stunt while on the road was arrested, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has revealed.
In a statement released on Thursday September 4, the NTSA disclosed that the driver had been arrested and charged in court with various traffic offences.
Referring to a viral clip showing a matatu crew member hanging dangerously from the door of a moving bus, the NTSA highlighted the safety risks posed to passengers by such dangerous stunts.
In the video, the crew member's body is extended outward, parallel to the ground, as the bus moves along the road. He is later joined by another crew member and they perform other stunts while the bus drives on.
“The stunt was reckless and extremely dangerous. Sudden braking, sharp turns, or acceleration can easily throw the passenger off balance, leading to a fatal fall,” NTSA noted.
“The driver was arrested, presented in court, and charged with various traffic offences. He was granted a cash bail of Ksh100,000 or a court bond of Ksh300,000,” the Authority added.
Reckless Rongai Matatu
NTSA’s action came after aggrieved citizens raised alarm over the driving of the matatu, which is believed to be plying the Rongai route.
It comes after NTSA announced a crackdown on reckless driving that particularly targeted matatus.
While announcing the crackdown, NTSA ordered law enforcement officers to arrest drivers and passengers who violate traffic laws, particularly those operating vehicles intended for transporting students.
The crackdown was part of NTSA’s ‘Watoto Wafike Salama’ campaign, which aimed to ensure that every child reaches school safely as schools were reopening.
Last week, another video of a Thika-bound matatu driver speeding while students hang out of the windows, celebrating and banging on the vehicle, went viral.
The footage quickly went viral and has reignited public concern over the safety of children commuting to school for the third term.
