Few matatus in recent memory have caused as much trouble as Money Fest, a public service vehicle (PSV) William Ruto’s son George owns. Money Fest is Kenya’s most controversial matatu in recent memory. The canary predominantly yellow vehicle has all the tenets of a souped-up matatu (nganya), featuring colourful graffiti, loud music, after-market offcut rims and a lively crew. The PSV hit the streets in mid-2024 and immediately caused a stir with its unique, never-before-seen front grille design. The interior features two side-facing upholstered seats, while the rest are front-facing. Money Fest has four 55-inch TVs placed on the sides of the matatu and radial speakers installed between them.
At night, the matatu lights up the world around it with powerful LED lights and offroad lights mounted at the back. Why is Money Fest controversial? However, its entry and operation grabbed headlines, for the wrong reasons. Trouble came calling shortly after Money Fest started operating along the Ngong Road route. Some complained that the president’s son was competing against ‘small’ businessmen by venturing into the matatu business. The matatu was shortly after accused of wantonly flouting traffic rules and operating without a sacco, with competitors complaining about non-compliance. The vehicle also lacked the necessary inspection from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA). Following online backlash, George took the matatu for NTSA inspection and it hit the road. In September 2024, the first son splurged over KSh 8 million to purchase Matrix, a stunning green and black matatu operating along Embakasi.
Together with Money Fest, they operate under the tag, Raptor Family. Both crews were invited to State House, Nairobi in December 2024 for the Jamhuri Day luncheon, and posed for photos with their employer. Only a month later in January, trouble came knocking again. By then, Money Fest had switched routes to Ongata Rongai from Ngong Road. A viral video showed the PSV overlapping along Magadi Road while competing with another matatu christened Kratos for passengers. Two men were seen sitting atop Money Fest as it sped along, causing outrage. The NTSA impounded the matatu and the driver was arrested. Famously known as Kinara, Dominic Amaya was charged with driving unroadworthy vehicles and pleaded guilty before being fined KSh 50,000 or six months in jail. George Ruto owns Money Fest.
Kinara was released and the matatu eventually moved to Embakasi alongside Matrix, which had switched to Ngong Road. Shortly after, Money Fest ran out of fuel while carrying passengers, with many of its fans terming it shameful. According to insiders, Matrix’s driver, Lenny, took over the helm from Kinara. “Lenny is calm and more disciplined, and I feel like the investor needed a drama-free driver given Money Fest’s run-ins with the law,” Joseph Ombogi, a tout along the Embakasi route told TUKO.co.ke. How much does Money Fest earn George Ruto? Kinara previously spoke about Money Fest’s earnings and the fabrication cost. He disclosed that the PSV makes around KSh 500,000 monthly. Kinara claimed that George had splurged out KSh 20 million on the matatu.
by William Osoro
