Motorists who ignore traffic rules and risk road users' lives were put on notice when the Makadara Law Courts sentenced a rogue driver and tout who were filmed performing a dangerous stunt.
The duo was slapped with Ksh130,000 cash bail while being released. The driver was asked to pay Ksh100,000 cash bail or Ksh200,000 bond while the tout paid Ksh30,000.
Additionally, drivers were warned against disobeying traffic rules and PSV guidelines. The judge further cautioned that the Sacco and drivers licences would be revoked and other disciplinary measures enforced upon sentencing.
Among the charges they faced were dangerous and reckless behaviour while driving, and failing to wear the specific uniform while on duty. Touts are expected to wear a maroon uniform while the drivers ought to be in a blue one.
Other additional charges included driving without proper documentation and failure to display a personal photograph as directed.
The driver pleaded guilty while the tout denied all the charges levelled against him. He was captured performing an acrobatic stunt while a parking boy kicked an adjacent moving vehicle.
"We urge all road users to remain vigilant and speak out against such behaviour. The driver and the two conductors have been arrested. They will be charged accordingly," the National Highways Safety Authority (NTSA) stated after apprehending the culprits on Monday, September 3.
NTSA accused them of hooting while on the highway as well as carrying individuals with a part of their bodies hanging outside the vehicle
The latest statistics by the authority indicate that the number of deaths resulting from road carnages rose to 3,541 in the period between January and September 2022 from 3,286 in the previous year.
In an effort to curb road carnages, NTSA launched a crackdown on road offenders and also announced an online learning program to train motorists.
The program is tailored to reduce human-related factors leading to road accidents such as speeding, careless overtaking, overloading, and driver fatigue.
