A driver of a matatu captured on video with hanging passengers along a highway in Nairobi was arrested on Friday following a directive issued by Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.
In a statement, Murkomen confirmed that the driver was arrested by officials from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) in conjunction with the police.
Also apprehended was the conductor of the matatu captured in the viral video.
The duo is being held at the Capitol Hill Police Station awaiting arraignment in court, probably after Christmas celebrations.
"A safety-conscious road user captured an incident of dangerous driving and overloading involving a PSV. I directed NTSA to apprehend the crew and take necessary action," Murkomen stated.
At the time of publication, the whereabouts of the hanging passengers were yet to be known.
In the viral video that was captured by another motorist, six passengers are filmed hanging dangerously outside the vehicle. While some of the passengers were hanging on the door, others were outside windows.
Additionally, the passengers were rowdy and noisy while blowing vuvuzelas.
Murkomen warned Kenyans against flaunting traffic rules during the festive season and called on the police to apprehend rogue motorists.
"It takes care and responsibility on the part of all road users to address challenges presented on our roads. I call upon all of us to continue speaking out against such vices.
"Do not allow a reckless driver to take away the lives of innocent road users. Report incidences on our roads and action will be taken," the CS stated.
Murkomen noted that the enforcement of the traffic rules was necessary owing to the number of incidents that had been witnessed in recent days.
According to the National Police Service (NPS), 16 Kenyans have lost their lives in the last two weeks.
On Friday, over 50 people got injured after a 62-seater bus was involved in an accident in Londiani, Kericho County.
