Money Fest Fallout: George Ruto's Matatu Driver Faces Multiple Traffic Charges

A Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operator linked to President William Ruto’s son, George Ruto, appeared before a Nairobi traffic court following an incident where a video went viral depicting one of the commonly referred to as 'Nganya' matatus being driven dangerously. The driver faces charges related to violations of traffic regulations.

Leonard Kituu, who did not have legal representation, faced Senior Principal Magistrate Eric Wambo and was accused of five charges including hindering officials, improper use of lanes, operating a public service vehicle without wearing a uniform, and disregarding law enforcement directives.

During the initial tally, he faced charges stating that on March 21, 2025, around 7 AM, near Kenneth Matiba Road in Nairobi, while operating motor vehicle registration number KDQ 111T, which was an Isuzu minivan marked with the slogan "MONEY FEST 001," he allegedly impeded or inconvenienced other traffic participants by executing a U-turn and traveling against the flow of traffic.

He was also charged with a second count of not following instructions provided by a law enforcement officer.

The details of the offense are as follows: On the same day and at the same location, while operating Money Fest, he did not comply with the instructions provided by an officer who was in uniform and performing their duties.

The prosecution alleged that he refused to drive back on the right side of the road and continued to drive on the wrong side even after being instructed by a police officer.

The third charge states that on the same day, he operated Money Fest, a public service vehicle, without possessing a valid road service permit.

He faced an additional charge for driving a public service vehicle without front identification plates, which violates Section 1211 of the Traffic Act.

The fifth charge indicated that on the same day, he did not don the required public service attire.

The chargesheet stated that he was wearing a black T-shirt, a grey sweater, and grey pants.

Kituu denied the charges and was freed on a cash bail of KSh 50,000.

He instead told the court that on the day the offence was alleged to have been committed, he was not on duty and was called by the Sacco.

"I would like to tell this court that on that day I was not on duty but was called in for duty by officials of the Sacco," he said.

He had to check in with the traffic base commander every month.