George Ruto’s Money Fest matatu has been causing serious concern due to repeated violations of traffic rules and public safety. The flashy matatu, which is widely recognized for its U.S. dollar-themed design, is owned by the son of President William Ruto and has become infamous for careless driving and disregard for regulations.
Many Kenyans, including victims and online users, have come out strongly against it, calling out both the drivers and George Ruto himself for turning a blind eye to its misconduct.
One of the most disturbing incidents involved Kevin, a friend of X user Yoko (@Kibetbull). On August 18, 2024, Yoko posted a photo of Kevin in a hospital bed after he got into an accident while using Money Fest.
In his post, he said, “I warned him several times against using Money Fest Matatu belonging to George Ruto. He was involved in an accident because drivers of Money Fest are rude and careless.”
This message was shared with the warning, “Avoid using Money Fest, don’t be like Kevin,” showing how dangerous the matatu has become. The image showed Kevin connected to medical equipment, suggesting the accident was very serious.
Reports from Tuko.co.ke, Kenyans.co.ke, and Gengetone Radio confirm that Money Fest has a long history of breaking traffic rules. On January 9, 2025, videos surfaced showing passengers sitting on top of the moving matatu along Magadi Road, leading to public anger.
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) reacted by impounding the matatus and charging the drivers with offenses like obstruction and wrong-lane driving. Fines reached KSh 50,000 and some cases led to possible jail time.
On March 21, 2025, Tuko.co.ke reported that one of the drivers, Leonard Kituu, was formally charged with multiple offenses. Meanwhile, Kenyan-Post.com reported another case of dangerous driving and passengers hanging out of the vehicle, raising more safety concerns.
The public has not held back from blaming President William Ruto for failing to control his son’s actions. On January 9, 2025, Hon. KM Katiwa (@katiwa) posted on X, “William Ruto has failed as both a parent and as a president,” directly linking the president to the chaos caused by Money Fest. That same post included a video showing passengers on the roof of the matatu and sparked responses demanding a boycott.
Some users questioned how Ruto could lecture other parents while his own son was setting a bad example. Others said they would no longer use the matatu and warned others against it.
Gengetone Radio confirmed the NTSA impounded a specific Money Fest matatu, registration KDQ 111T, for weaving through traffic with passengers on the roof and windows, with traffic officers reportedly ignoring the behavior.
Tuko.co.ke also reported that the matatu ran out of fuel and had to be pushed, adding to its growing list of embarrassing moments.
While George Ruto continues launching new vehicles like ‘Mood’, the public focus remains on the lack of discipline and accountability.
The anger is not just about traffic violations but about the wider message it sends when those close to power seem untouchable. The case of Kevin, the repeated impoundments, and the online backlash all point to a matatu that has become a symbol of impunity.
