The First Son, George Ruto, has brought the streets of Nairobi to a standstill, riding shotgun in his custom "Mood" matatu and igniting a frenzy of speculation that he is eyeing a political debut.

It was a scene straight out of a music video. The President’s son, dressed in an Inter Miami jersey, sat behind the DJ booth of his Ksh 14 million "Mood" nganya, bobbing his head to Arbantone beats as the vehicle snaked through the Embakasi crowds. But this was more than just a joyride.

For a young man who has largely kept a low profile, George’s sudden visibility—mingling with touts, shaking hands with youth, and moving without an overt security cordon—is being read as a soft launch of "Brand George."

"Ama Asimame President?"

Social media lit up instantly. Videos of the sighting went viral on TikTok, with the comment sections flooded with a recurring question: "Ama asimame President?" (Should he run for President?). The youth, disillusioned by the stiff suits of traditional politicians, see in George a relatable figure who understands the "struggle" of the streets—ironic, given his pedigree, but effective nonetheless.

• The Matatu: "Mood" is not just a vehicle; it's a cultural statement. With bucket seats, solar power, and a world-class sound system, it represents the ingenuity of the Matwana culture.
• The Connection: By investing in the matatu industry, George has tapped into the heart of Nairobi’s youth economy.

The Political Undertones

Is this the rise of a new dynasty? While his father battles opposition alliances and cabinet reshuffles, George is winning the optics war on the ground. "He didn't come to lecture us; he came to jam with us," one Embakasi youth noted.

Whether this is a genuine passion for matatu culture or a calculated political grooming exercise remains to be seen.But one thing is clear: George Ruto has the mood, and the streets are watching.