The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) has confirmed the arrest of a matatu driver after a viral video showed a passenger dangerously clinging to the side of a moving vehicle in traffic.
In a statement released on Thursday, September 4, NTSA condemned the stunt as “reckless and extremely dangerous,” warning that sudden braking, sharp turns, or sudden acceleration could have resulted in a fatal accident.
“The stunt was reckless and extremely dangerous. Sudden braking, sharp turns, or acceleration can easily throw the passenger off balance, leading to a fatal fall,” the authority stated.
According to NTSA, the driver who operates a matatu on the Nairobi CBD–Rongai route was arraigned in court and charged with several traffic violations. He was later released on a cash bail of Sh 100,000 or a court bond of Sh 300,000.
NTSA also thanked members of the public for reporting the incident, which sparked widespread concern online after the video went viral.
The footage, which showed a man performing stunts on the moving vehicle, drew swift reactions on social media. The Road Safety Awareness Initiative (Kenya) praised NTSA’s quick response, posting on X:
“Thank you, @NTSA_Kenya, for taking swift action on this incident. Zero tolerance for lawbreakers is the only way to reduce road fatalities and keep everyone safe on our roads.”
However, others used the opportunity to criticize the agency’s broader enforcement record.
“Fatal fall will be his problem,” posted user @marls_cand.
“He is an adult who knows what’s right and wrong just like all the corrupt, incompetent NTSA officers.”
The incident comes amid increased enforcement by NTSA, as concerns rise over reckless behavior in the public transport sector, particularly among matatus.
According to the agency’s latest data, 5,856 people were involved in road crashes between January 1 and March 31, 2025 a decrease of 1,908 compared to the same period in 2024.
Of those, 1,139 people died, a slight drop from 1,166 fatalities recorded last year.
Another 3,316 individuals suffered serious injuries, while 2,693 sustained minor injuries.
Pedestrians remained the most vulnerable road users, with 420 deaths reported in the first quarter, down from 434 the previous year.
Passenger deaths stood at 189, compared to 243 in 2024, while 83 drivers lost their lives lower than the 94 recorded in the same period last year.
NTSA says it will continue ramping up enforcement to ensure the safety of all road users.
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