Kenyans who were around Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi city’s CBD were on Friday treated to hours of standstill after President William Ruto’s son, George Kumutai Ruto, launched the debut of his matatu dubbed ‘Mood’.
The party was started with a brief prayer by a pastor who anointied the matatu, followed by a full entertainment concert for the youth.
Despite rainy weather, the launch featured a concert with DJs, a hype man, and free entry, creating a festive atmosphere.
A multitude of young people showed up at the event to support the President’s son and celebrate matatu culture. After the energetic ceremony, the Matatu, which has also been referred to as Nganya was briefly driven around the city, escorted by a convoy including George’s other matatus, Money Fest (also known as Manifest) and Matrix.
Hundreds of youths accompanied it, causing traffic snarl-ups in the vicinity that lasted for hours into the night.
The disruption sparked tension among Nairobians making their way home, with some reports warning residents to be wary of goons.
“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,” a concerned Nairobian warned.
Cost
The gigantic bus, which signals a new shift in Kenya’s matatu culture, reportedly costs a staggering Ksh14 million.
Features
The matatu is a 25-seater vehicle designed for luxury and entertainment, deviating from the standard 32-seater layout
Mood has a custom number plate said to be approved by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).
Additionally, passengers aboard the matatu stands the privilege of enjoying custom-made bucket seats, each fitted with a cup holder and charging port.
It is also fully air-conditioned, a breath of fresh air compared to the stuffy and congested environment common in other matatus.
Further, the vehicle bears a modern push-to-start ignition system, solar power, and DJ decks installed right in the cockpit.
Mood also possesses a Ksh2 million sound system, LED lighting, and a 2-by-1 seating arrangement which prioritises passenger comfort and space, with a redesigned aisle for dancing, making it ideal for a “party-on-wheels” experience.
Reactions To The Mood‘s Launch
This launch has drawn mixed reactions among Kenyans, with some hailing George Ruto for his contribution to the Matatu culture, while others rubbishing the development.
Popular city advocate Ndegwa Njiru has condemned the large turnout of young people who stormed the KICC to celebrate the launch of the bus.
Taking to his social media platform on Saturday, July 19, 2025, Ndegwa questioned the credibility of the same youth who claim to stand for accountability, good governance, and political neutrality, yet turned out in large numbers for an event linked to a son of a prominent political figure.
“Na hawa ndio wanasema ati wanataka accountability, ati wako partyless, wako tribeless, ati na wanataka good governance? Really?” he questioned.
Octopizzo warned Kenyans against viewing this from a political perspective.
