Two drivers of Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) impounded for breaching traffic regulations were arraigned at the Kibera Law Courts and fined Ksh50,000 each or a six-month jail term in default.
Dominic Amaya, the driver of a minibus popularly known as Manifest, and John Mwangi faced charges of driving unroadworthy vehicles. Both pleaded guilty, acknowledging their role in violating traffic laws.
This court action is part of heightened efforts by authorities to enforce stricter compliance with road safety standards and curb accidents caused by poorly maintained PSVs.
The arraignment followed the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA)’s impounding of the two PSVs a day earlier. NTSA, in a statement on Thursday, January 9, confirmed the vehicles were held at a police station as investigations into their crew’s conduct continued.
“We thank you for bringing this to our attention. The two PSVs are at the police station for processing and further action,” NTSA stated, sharing photos of the impounded vehicles.
The crackdown was prompted by a viral video showing the matatus violating traffic rules along Magadi Road. In the footage, one vehicle was being driven on the wrong side of the road while two individuals recklessly perched on top.
The video sparked outrage on social media, with Kenyans decrying the dangerous conduct of some PSV operators and calling for stringent enforcement of traffic laws.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to ensuring road safety and holding violators accountable to protect passengers and other road users from the risks posed by non-compliant vehicles and drivers.
