Nairobi’s central business district buzzed with energy and mixed reactions as George Ruto, son of President William Ruto, unveiled his newest high-end matatu, Mood, during a high-profile launch at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) yesterday.
Reports has it that the highly revamped minibus is valued at Sh14 million (approximately $107,000 USD).
The sleek, custom-designed vehicle has been hailed as one of the most luxurious matatus to hit Kenyan roads.
Its debut caused a spectacle, drawing massive crowds that led to significant traffic snarl-ups and stirred debate around crowd control and the role of the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) in managing such high-profile rollouts.
Designed to accommodate 25 passengers less than the conventional 32-seater it offers a top-tier experience rarely seen in public transportation.
The matatu is equipped with “NTSA-approved custom number plates,” premium bucket seats complete with cup holders and USB charging ports, and is fully air-conditioned, a luxury in Nairobi’s commuter scene.
?tunapanda nganya https://t.co/quE1MLUjhB pic.twitter.com/znkGWz656e
— MOOD ??? (@moodfamily033) July 19, 2025
Additional highlights include “push-to-start ignition,” solar backup power for improved energy efficiency, and a DJ cockpit fitted with “a Sh 2million sound system.”
Billed as Kenya’s first solar-powered matatu, ‘Mood’ marries innovation with Nairobi’s vibrant matatu culture.
The interior features “65-inch TV screens”, extensive LED lighting, and a dedicated space for drinks,” creating an ambiance reminiscent of a mobile club or lounge.
While the launch was widely seen as a milestone in transforming the image of public transport, it also sparked backlash from some road users, who criticized the heavy congestion and accused the NTSA of lax oversight during the event.
George Ruto is no stranger to flamboyant matatu projects.
His earlier creations, including Manifest (also referred to as Moneyfest), have previously attracted attention for the wrong reasons facing police crackdowns and temporary impoundments for engaging in reckless road displays and violating traffic laws.
Despite this checkered history, ‘Mood’ is expected to begin regular operations on the Embakasi and Rongai routes, bolstering George Ruto’s growing profile as a disruptive force in Kenya’s matatu industry.