The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has responded to concerns over why Kibra MP Peter Orero faced no legal repercussions in connection with a traffic offence, which saw his driver fined for dangerous overtaking after getting captured in a viral video.
In a statement issued on Monday, October 13, the ODPP responded to concerns raised by the Motorists Association of Kenya and members of the public, including journalist Larry Madowo, who made the initial video last week.
According to the ODPP, after reviewing all the evidence presented, there was no indication that the driver acted on instructions from the lawmaker or any other party.
"Regarding this matter, it is important to clarify that the available evidence does not demonstrate that the driver acted on anyone's instructions or orders," ODPP's said on Monday.
The viral incident took place on October 9 along Oloitoktok Road in Nairobi, with footage showing a black SUV overtaking dangerously and obstructing traffic.
In the video, the driver had a brief exchange with the person filming before appearing to hurl an expletive insult before driving away.
Larry Madowo, who initially shared the viral video, also weighed in after the court ruling, stating, “The Kibra MP’s driver, George Oduor, was fined Ksh100,000 after pleading guilty to obstruction and dangerous overtaking. Did he do that without permission from his boss, Peter Orero, who was sitting in the co-driver’s seat?"
But the ODPP reiterated that without concrete evidence of complicity, such as direct orders, it was impossible for charges to be filed against the Kibra lawmaker.
"Prosecution decisions are guided strictly by the evidence gathered during investigations, and at this stage, there is no proof linking the MP to the alleged traffic offence," ODPP added.
In an earlier statement, the prosecution confirmed that the driver, George Oduor, was charged with dangerous overtaking contrary to Rule 73(4) as read with Rule 99 of the Traffic Rules under CAP 403 of the Kenyan Law.
After pleading guilty and admitting fault through a verbal apology, the driver was fined Ksh100,000.
Meanwhile, the National Police Service (NPS) also condemned the obstruction of traffic by individuals claiming VIP privileges, with spokesperson Michael Muchiri clarifying that only emergency vehicles such as ambulances, other emergency vehicles, the President's and Deputy President's motorcades, and, in special circumstances, military convoys, are permitted to obstruct traffic.
