A online video recently captured the president’s son, George Ruto, greeting onlookers while in the driver’s seat of a Nairobi CBD to Rongai matatu, famously branded “Money Fest.”
George decided to drive the matatu himself, a rare sight for Kenyans who seldom expect a president’s son to be behind the wheel of public transport.
His mother, First Lady Rachel Ruto, also joined the ride in support of her son’s business.
The move sparked an array of reactions on social media. Some users criticized the decision, questioning why the son of a president would invest in the matatu industry instead of venturing into more lucrative fields like technology.
"In this tech era, where he could invest in innovative ventures, he's chosen a matatu?” wrote Nyabasa Danvas, implying that wealth might not always come with wisdom.
Another user, Ms. Entrepreneur, added, “When others are pursuing engineering Masters/PhDs abroad, he’s here with a matatu. This life has no balance."
However, others saw George’s decision as a refreshing display of humility and a unique business choice. "All I see is a kid doing what thrills him; it doesn’t matter which family he’s from,” responded Bakhita Esther, while another user, Kenyan Philosopher, noted, “Kenyans will never be satisfied. If a president’s child avoids public transport, he’s called arrogant. If he invests in a matatu, people think he’s competing with common citizens."
Amid these mixed opinions, a few commenters argued that the family could have chosen a better PR approach, with Murea Collins stating, “This family needs a proper think-tank,” and Ms. Entrepreneur adding, “This family could stand to modernize a bit.”
Some users, however, reminded the public that George’s drive in the matatu wasn’t purely a business move.
According to Augustine Sang, this gesture was part of the 2023 Utamaduni Day celebrations at Bomas of Kenya, where the First Lady rode in the matatu as a way to experience Kenya’s vibrant matatu culture.
What do you think about the first lady boarding her son's matatu? And do you think the president's son should be involved in the matatu sector?
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