Questions after video shows 'nganya' being recklessly driven as passengers cheer on

A disturbing video has surfaced online showing a matatu with the number plate KDN 178P being driven recklessly at high speed around a petrol station. The driver maneuvered dangerously, putting the lives of the passengers and others nearby at serious risk.

Surprisingly, the passengers inside appeared to enjoy the chaos. One individual waved a flag out of the window while others recorded videos, cheered, and even leaned out dangerously. Two men were seen hanging onto the matatu’s door, clearly relishing the wild ride.

The matatu was heavily decorated in graffiti, including on the windscreen, and featured artificial lighting to showcase Nairobian culture. The incident has sparked public outcry, with many Kenyans calling for stricter enforcement of traffic rules and greater accountability among matatu operators.

Halafu when NTSA strikes mnaanza kulalamika aty Culture inaonewa! pic.twitter.com/MNB2xey06P

— Eyush (@_EyushVick) June 16, 2025

Netizens were quick to comment, with many castigating the crew for their behaviour.

@SirEduh began, “Bro all we need is bring back Law and Order..our Graffiti and art remains untouched..but the driver na donda follow the law..its about discipline, and we shall sell our culture to the world..see the sweet part of it not the few who stain what we wash..”

@Linus_Kimathi added, “There's culture and there is reckless driving.”

Kahuho asked, “Madness @SakajaJohnson is this the culture you are talking about, these things have flooded moi avenue and they drive anyhow?”

@ChegeXperience said, “2nd time nmeona ii gari karibu inaanguka with people hanging by the door.”

@BarbieNairobi asked, “Hii ni culture gani sasa?”

@OGCO11O commented, “Which culture? Giving foreign artists and entities free advertisement.”

@abuu_zahrayn in an interesting twist, lauded, “Extreme skills, it’s part of the culture.”

The video adds to the ongoing debate around Nairobi’s popular Nganya culture, which celebrates creatively decorated matatus with bold graffiti and loud music from hidden speakers to create an energetic vibe.

However, growing safety concerns are casting a shadow on the trend.

These vehicles have previously been captured driving recklessly, with passengers dangerously hanging off the sides.

Barely a month ago, a popular matatu, christened 'Uppercut', crashed during a road trip to Nyeri. 

In a widely circulated video, the minibus was lying on its roof with neon lights still flashing and loud music still playing. 

Screams could be heard in the background with a voice calling for help: “Manze Uppercut imeanguka! Tusaidieni!” (Uppercut has overturned! Help us!).

But hours later, a video would emerge on social media showing the same matatu being driven recklessly along Thika Road, swaying between lanes on the busy highway, with young men hanging off the left side and others leaning out of the windows.