NAIROBI, KENYA – A matatu driver who became an internet sensation after a video showed him speeding away from a traffic police officer on Valley Road has been fined KSh 70,000 by a Milimani Law Courts magistrate. Donald Owuor Ndeda claimed a sudden and severe bout of diarrhoea forced him to flee, a defense the court ultimately found insufficient to justify his actions. The ruling on Monday, 24 November 2025, concludes a case that has ignited public debate on traffic law enforcement and the pressures faced by public service vehicle (PSV) operators in Kenya.

Mr. Ndeda faced a total of six charges stemming from the incident on Wednesday, 19 November 2025. According to the prosecution, the driver of the Ganya Sacco minibus was flagged down for picking up passengers at an undesignated stop, a common contributor to Nairobi's traffic congestion. Instead of complying, Ndeda accelerated, endangering the lives of other road users and the officer. The event was captured on video and circulated widely on social media, leading to his subsequent arrest.

The Charges and the Unusual Defense

In court, prosecutors detailed the list of offences. Ndeda was charged with reckless driving under the Traffic Act, obstruction, and failure to stop when ordered by a uniformed police officer. Additional charges included failure to wear the official PSV uniform as required by Section 103A of the Traffic Act and a separate count for failing to appear in court for his initial plea-taking on Friday, 21 November 2025.

In his defense, Ndeda told the court he had no intention of defying the law. He explained that he was struck by an acute case of diarrhoea and his only thought was to rush to the nearest facility. While this explanation drew a mixed reaction in the courtroom, the presiding magistrate stated that a medical emergency, however pressing, did not grant a driver license to break traffic laws and endanger the public.

A Broader Context of Matatu-Police Relations

This case unfolds against a backdrop of persistent friction between matatu crews and law enforcement. PSV operators often complain of harassment and extortion by traffic officers, while police point to a culture of impunity and disregard for traffic regulations among many matatu drivers. Viral videos showing dramatic, and often dangerous, confrontations are increasingly common. Observers note that such incidents reflect systemic issues within the public transport sector, including intense competition for passengers, pressure from vehicle owners to meet daily financial targets, and lax enforcement of existing regulations.

The Traffic Act (Cap 403) provides clear guidelines on the conduct of drivers and the powers of the police. Offences such as those committed by Ndeda carry significant penalties, including fines and potential imprisonment, intended to deter reckless behaviour. In his ruling, the magistrate emphasised the court's duty to uphold public safety, stating that ignoring lawful orders from police would not be tolerated. The KSh 70,000 fine serves as a stern warning to other PSV operators about the consequences of such actions.

The incident also brings into focus the broader challenges of urban transport management in Nairobi. Efforts by authorities like the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to instill order have been met with mixed success. Just days before this incident, the High Court granted a temporary reprieve to 13 matatu SACCOs, blocking the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) from evicting them from operating at petrol stations in the city centre, a separate issue that highlights the ongoing legal and logistical battles shaping public transport in the capital. As the festive season approaches, agencies like the NTSA and the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) have announced intensified crackdowns on unroadworthy vehicles and reckless driving to curb a seasonal spike in accidents.

As Mr. Ndeda contemplates the hefty fine, his case remains a talking point for Nairobi residents, many of whom rely on matatus for their daily commute. It serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between law enforcement, public safety, and the complex realities of the city's indispensable, yet often chaotic, public transport system.