George Ruto’s Mood Matatu Back in Garage

George Ruto’s Mood matatu is back in the garage days after making a memorable debut at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).

According to TUKO.co.ke, Mood was damaged during the launch, attended by thousands of matatu culture lovers.

“Mood is back in the garage after sustaining damage during its grand unveiling. The matatu suffered damage due to excitement from overenthusiastic fans at the launch,” Embassava Sacco official Jackson Nyang’au told the publication.

Mood also had its windows damaged during the Friday, July 18 launch. The official also hinted at possible mechanical issues.

“Mood only operated on Saturday, and then, there was a mechanic at hand. Meeting the launch deadline was tasking, and it’s gone back for a few touch-ups,” he said.

Footage from Mood’s launch showed numerous people standing on the roof, where its solar panels are located. Austin Oluoch, a Pipeline resident who boarded the matatu on Saturday, said the panels might have been damaged during the launch.

“The sound system was problematic,” he said pointing towards power supply issues.

Mood’s official page on Instagram confirmed that the vehicle is undergoing touch-ups and will be out soon. "We won't be long," they captioned a video of the matatu in the garage.

Mood was highly anticipated because it grabbed attention even before hitting the road due to its unique solar-powered setup, reportedly a first in Kenya

Designed with matatu culture in mind, the vehicle includes high-end features like 65-inch screens, a DJ deck, bucket seats, and space to dance. Built as a 25-seater instead of the usual 32, Mood is expected to compete for the Kenya One title.

George went all out on the sound system. It’s fitted with Deaf Bonce Apocalypse DB-4518R-4500W speakers, each costing around KSh 180,000, with the sound system totalling KSh 2 million.

Earlier this month, George Ruto, once again stirred public debate after a video surfaced showing his matatu driving recklessly around a roundabout on City Hall Way, near the Supreme Court in Nairobi.

This is not the first time George has drawn attention over his matatu business. The matatu is expected to operate on the busy Embakasi and Rongai routes.