NTSA Arrests 2 Touts Hanging on Matatu After Viral Video

Screengrabs of two individuals hanging dangerously on a matatu in Nairobi
Screengrabs of two individuals hanging dangerously on a matatu in Nairobi
File

The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) on Monday, October 3, arrested two touts filmed dangerously hanging on a speeding matatu's door.

In a statement, the authority noted that the duo will be charged as per the laws laid out in the Kenyan Constitution.

A video of the two, who did not shy away from the camera, hanging on the Buruburu-bound matatu went viral on Sunday, October 2, attracting backlash.

The driver of the vehicle ferrying the two culprits was also arrested.

File image of Traffic police inspecting a PSV matatu
File image of Traffic police inspecting a PSV matatu
File

"The driver and the two conductors have been arrested. They will be charged accordingly. We urge all road users to remain vigilant and speak out against such behavior," read the NTSA statement.

In the clip, the one of the suspects is seen dangerously throwing his limbs onto another matatu speeding on an adjacent lane while the other perform some sort of acrobatic moves.

According to the NTSA traffic rules in Kenya, the matatu flouted regulations for hooting while on the highway as well as carrying individuals with a part of the bodies outside the vehicle.

For hooting, the owner will part with Ksh3,000 fine while traveling with part of a body part outside the vehicle attracts an instant fine of Ksh1,000.

The arrest comes as the National Police Service heightens its crackdown on motorists following a spike of road accidents in the month of September 2022.

The nationwide operation, which kicked off on September 28, was aimed at enforcing all traffic rules including the use of seat belts by passengers.

It was announced following the death of 145 individuals in just a period of 9 days - mostly caused by careless driving.

Data released by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) also showed that between January and September 26, the number of fatalities also shot up to 3,541 as compared to 3,286 who perished in the same period a year before representing a 7.8 per cent increase.

An image of citizens getting services at NTSA offices
An image of citizens getting services at NTSA offices on February 17, 2019.
Photo
NTSA
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