George Ruto's Matatu Mood Ignites Reactions as Fans Tease Police: "Hutaenda Transfer"
- Crowds of youth braved heavy rain at KICC to welcome Mood, but by the end of the day, not everyone was celebrating
- A viral moment captured the matatu 'locking horns' with a police vehicle, sparking bold warnings from onlookers that left Kenyans divided
- Online chatter exploded as critics raised serious questions, from the matatu’s funding sources to its disregard for road safety laws
- Speaking exclusively to TUKO.co.ke, transport consultant Simon Karanja said flashy matatus quickly recoup costs due to popularity and versatility
President William Ruto’s son, George Kimutai Ruto, is once again trending, this time, for shaking up Nairobi’s streets with the launch of his new matatu, Mood.
Source: Instagram
The unveiling of the eye-catching matatu has stirred excitement, chaos, and now, controversy.
The matatu, which officially joined the Embakasi route on Friday, June 18, was launched in typical Nairobi fashion: flashy and loud.
The launch event, which was held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), drew massive crowds of youth who braved heavy rain to witness the birth of Nairobi’s latest matatu sensation.
Top DJs entertained revellers as Mood made its way from the garage into the heart of the CBD, marking its debut with booming music, bright lights and a street concert vibe.
Speaking exclusively to TUKO.co.ke, public transport consultant and SACCO operations analyst Simon Karanja noted that highly modified matatus often recoup their investment quickly due to their appeal and versatility.
“A matatu like Mood can easily bring in over KSh 30,000 daily if well-managed. It’s not just about passenger fares, it’s a mobile entertainment unit that can be hired for events, music videos, and influencer campaigns. What people see as a toy is actually a high-earning asset,” said Karanja.
What did George Ruto's Mood matatu do?
However, barely 48 hours later, the matatu is already the centre of heated debate.
For many Nairobians, the launch was more disruptive than dazzling.
Critics pointed to traffic chaos, unnecessary stunt driving, and tragically, the reported death of a tout hit by a rogue matatu during the event.
Online, the backlash grew louder, with users questioning the costs involved in pimping out the matatu and speculating whether looted government coffers might have been used.
Adding fuel to the fire was a viral TikTok video showing Mood in traffic as loud music blared and passengers hung dangerously out of its windows.
The footage captured a tense moment when a police vehicle struggled to navigate around the flashy matatu.
However, what truly got people talking was the reaction on the ground.
Crowds boldly told off the police officer, warning him not to mess with the vehicle, owned by the president’s son, or risk an immediate job transfer.
"Ukiguza hii gari, hutaenda transfer, ni kazi itaisha," one fan could be heard saying.
This is not George's first matatu to raise eyebrows.
His other two vehicles, Matrix and MoneyFest, have also come under scrutiny for flouting traffic and NTSA regulations with little to no consequence.
Watch the video below:
Social media comments
Here are some comments from those who watched the video:
chrisentgody:
"Lakini ile kiwango crown imedhalilishwa hii Kenya, not good at all."
Chris Twity:
"Impunity! Watu wanafurahia millionaire akicheza na toy zake."
_cloud_.:
"Polisi ndio anapigwa transfer sindio."
Sam's Aqua Solutions:
"This is how the streets will be from today💪🤣 Traffic hamna bahati🤣🤣muanze kutafuta pesa ya kulipa watu ndio waexpose impunity in our roads."
BEAST:
"Panda hapo ukule transfer uende Mandera."
mr.spoken:
"Sasa mnataka tuchukie George juu ya babake 😅 we don't inherit enemity."
TN:
"Hii mdomo mnarusharusha ndio itaharibia hii gari. Nani akasema haiwezi shikwa."
B.kivuu:
"One call unasikia unaitwa headquarters za police eti uende likizo utapigiwa simu."
Kj Mwaniki:
"Gari ya serikali haiguswii."
Source: Instagram
How much will George Ruto's matatu Mood make per day?
Matatu culture is a booming business in Kenya, and the investors make millions of cash from the business depending on several factors.
In George's case, his matatu is a 25-seater, meaning it could have cost him close to KSh 7 million.
"The sound system costs KSh 2 million, several screens, which cost around KSh 300k. Paintwork, fabrication, offcut rims, lighting, and solar panels cost over KSh 1.3 million. Other costs like registering the vehicle with a sacco will also cost over a KSh 1 million," investor George Mburu told TUKO.co.ke.
The city businessman revealed that matatu owners make a lot of money, ranging from KSh 18,000 to KSh 30,000 per day.
"Moods being the hottest matatu, fare will be more than KSh 100 per day. Passengers will pay KSh 150 - KSh 200 per trip. It is also customised for hiring for parties, DJ sets, adjustable seats, etc. George will be making over KSh 18,000 per day. Also, if the crew is disciplined and follows traffic rules, he won't incur losses paying fines," he explained.
How did George Ruto acquire Money Fest?
Previously, MoneyFest's driver came to George’s defence, stating that the vehicle was purchased through a bank loan.
He criticised those questioning its ownership and registration, accusing them of peddling misinformation.
The driver maintained that George has every right to participate in the matatu industry, regardless of being the president’s son. He further noted that the business supports many families.
Caren Nyota, HoD Entertainment, added: How much will George Ruto's matatu Mood make per day?
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
