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A viral video by CNN journalist Larry Madowo led to the conviction and fine of George Oduor, driver to Kibra MP Peter Orero, highlighting persistent concerns over VIP impunity on Kenyan roads.
George Oduor, the driver of Kibra Member of Parliament Peter Orero, was on Monday, October 13, 2025, fined KSh 100,000 or face a 12-month jail term for dangerous overtaking and obstructing other road users. The ruling by Milimani Magistrate Rose Ndombi followed a viral video recorded by CNN International Correspondent Larry Madowo, which captured the incident on Oloitoktok Road in Nairobi.
Oduor pleaded guilty to the charges of reckless overtaking, admitting he was rushing to the airport and sought leniency as a first-time offender. However, the prosecution pressed for the maximum penalty, citing the deliberate nature of his actions and the perceived impunity displayed.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday, October 9, 2025, quickly gained traction on social media, sparking widespread condemnation from Kenyans. The footage showed a government-registered Toyota Prado, assigned to MP Orero, being driven on the wrong side of the road, aggressively cutting across lanes and obstructing traffic.
During the heated exchange captured by Madowo, both Oduor and MP Orero, who was a passenger, were heard telling the journalist to take his grievances to President William Ruto, a remark widely interpreted as arrogance and an abuse of privilege.
Kibra MP Peter Orero, elected on an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party ticket in August 2022, later apologised for the incident, acknowledging the mistake made by himself and his driver.
The National Police Service (NPS) responded to the incident, with spokesperson Michael Muchiri condemning the abuse of VIP privileges to obstruct traffic. Muchiri clarified that only emergency vehicles, official Presidential and Deputy Presidential motorcades, and military convoys in exceptional circumstances are legally permitted to bring traffic to a standstill.
Oduor was charged under the Traffic Act (Cap 403) for dangerous overtaking, specifically Rule 73(4) as read with Rule 99 of the Traffic Rules. The Traffic Act outlines severe penalties for dangerous and reckless driving, with fines for reckless driving ranging up to KSh 100,000 or imprisonment for up to one year for a first offence.
The viral video prompted swift action from authorities, leading to Oduor's arrest and arraignment. The court emphasised that drivers attached to public officials must uphold the law, stating that holding a government position does not exempt anyone from traffic regulations.
Larry Madowo, whose video brought the issue to light, commented on the unacceptable nature of government drivers endangering others with impunity. The Motorists Association of Kenya also condemned the incident, demanding immediate arrest and prosecution to deter similar misconduct.
This case has reignited public debate on VIP entitlement and the abuse of privilege on Kenyan roads. Many Kenyans have called for stricter enforcement of traffic laws and greater accountability for all road users, regardless of their status.
While the driver has been fined, questions remain regarding the extent of accountability for public officials present during such infractions. Larry Madowo himself questioned whether the driver acted without permission from MP Orero, who was in the vehicle.
The incident occurred on Thursday, October 9, 2025. George Oduor was arraigned and fined on Monday, October 13, 2025. Oduor has been granted 14 days to file an appeal against the court's decision.
The public will be watching for any further action or policy changes aimed at curbing VIP impunity on Kenyan roads. The outcome of any potential appeal by Oduor will also be a key development.
