Nairobi’s Central Business District came to a dramatic standstill on Friday night as President William Ruto’s son, George Ruto, launched his jaw-dropping new matatu named “Mood”, worth a staggering Ksh14 million.
The event, held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), wasn’t just another vehicle unveiling, it was a full-blown spectacle. The night kicked off with a solemn prayer session and a symbolic anointing of the matatu, quickly followed by an explosive youth concert celebrating matatu culture in style.
Hundreds of youths swarmed the venue in support of George and the luxurious matatu culture he’s helping redefine. But the real chaos began when the event concluded and Mood took a brief drive through Nairobi’s CBD. What followed was hours of traffic gridlock, loud cheers, and streets overflowing with ecstatic youth.
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The disruption caused widespread panic among residents and commuters. Reports circulated online warning Nairobians to stay alert. One viral message read:
“Nairobi CBD is currently a crime scene. Thugs have taken over the city. There are no police officers present in the Nairobi CBD or at the KICC. Please stay on high alert if you happen to be in Nairobi City. It’s a total shutdown.”
Despite the warnings, many saw the spectacle as a transformational moment for Kenya’s public transport culture.
George Ruto’s new matatu, Mood, is not just a vehicle, it’s a bold reinvention of public transport in Kenya.
Designed to deliver premium comfort, the Ksh14 million ride comes fitted with custom-made bucket seats, each offering personal charging ports and cup holders. This attention to passenger experience places Mood in a class of its own, especially in a sector where cramped seating and minimal amenities are the norm.
One of the most groundbreaking additions is the full air-conditioning system, a rare luxury in Nairobi’s matatu culture. While most matatus struggle with poor ventilation and overcrowding, Mood offers passengers a cool, clean, and comfortable environment.
Complementing this is the use of solar power technology, making the matatu not only modern but also environmentally conscious, a first for many in the industry.
The innovations don’t stop there. Mood features a push-to-start ignition system, showcasing cutting-edge automotive tech rarely seen in public transport.
Even more impressively, a fully installed DJ deck sits in the cockpit, transforming daily commutes into entertainment experiences. Tying it all together is a custom NTSA-approved number plate, signaling not just uniqueness, but full compliance with Kenyan transport regulations.
Mood isn’t just a flashy ride, it’s a statement of intent, a signal that George Ruto is carving out his niche in Nairobi’s dynamic transport culture. He’s no stranger to the scene either. George already owns another high-profile matatu known as Manifest or Moneyfest, and his growing fleet is synonymous with luxury, entertainment, and innovation.
As social media buzzed with photos and videos from the event, one thing was clear: George Ruto’s Mood has set a new tone for matatu culture in Kenya, blurring the lines between public transport and premium lifestyle.
