- A matatu driver was arraigned following a November 19 incident in which he was captured driving carelessly
- Despite his defense, he was fined KSh 70,000 after the prosecution presented six offences from the incident
- The court issued a warning to him and other motorists regarding obstruction and ignoring traffic police officers
Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features in digital and print media.
Nairobi: A Ganya Sacco matatu driver who fled from a traffic police officer along Valley Road has defended his actions in court, claiming he was seriously ill at the moment.
Source: Facebook
Appearing before the Milimani Magistrates Court on Monday, November 24, Donald Owuor Ndeda explained that he did not intend to evade arrest but was forced to rush off in panic due to a sudden acute diarrhoea.
According to a report by Citizen TV, Owuor, who was arrested after the November 19 incident which went viral on social platforms, faced six charges related to traffic offences.
In the footage, he sped off when a traffic officer attempted to flag him down.
What charges did Donald Owuor face?
The driver was further charged with failing to wear the mandatory Public Service Vehicle (PSV) uniform, ignoring verbal orders from a traffic officer, and failing to stop when directed.
Prosecutors also noted that he caused obstruction by picking up passengers at an unauthorised spot, which contributed to congestion and unsafe boarding practices in the city.
The prosecution further emphasised that his actions endangered other road users and amounted to reckless driving under the Traffic Act.
In addition, Owuor skipped his first court appearance on November 21, prompting an extra charge for failing to attend plea taking.
Despite the murmurs following his defence, the court weighed in on his argument and imposed a fine of KSh 70,000.
The court informed him, along with other PSV operators, that endangering the public and ignoring lawful commands from police would not be tolerated.
How did Kenyans react to Donald Owuor’s defence?
Mary Masinde Rapando
“So mlitaka ajiharie kwa nguo ama?”
Calena Maya
“Sasa prosecutor ata kama ni wewe ulitaka ajiharie?”
Carlos Juma
“Ukiwa unahisi kuhara na at the same time unahisi kupiga chafya apo ndio unaelewa maana ya mshika mbili moja humponyoka.”
Maina Spear
“Unafanya vituko ufurahishe mbogi unaumia solo.”
Njogu George
“Hiyo akili iliniokoa once. I was speeding, and police followed me. Nilisimamia kwa msikiti, nikatoka mbio hadi chooni. Guess what? Nilikaa kwa choo 10 minutes. Kutoka, police akaniuliza shida ni nini, nikamsho naendesha. Alinichekelea akaenda zake.”
Why was Peter Orero’s driver arrested?
In other news, Kibra MP Peter Orero’s driver was arrested after a video of him driving on the wrong side of the road went viral.
Source: Twitter
In the clip initially shared by CNN’s correspondent Larry Madowo, the lawmaker and the driver became arrogant when questioned.
During his arraignment, the driver expressed remorse, sought forgiveness, and claimed that he was rushing to drop someone at the airport.
He was fined KSh 100,000 after the prosecution argued that the incident was deliberate.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
