Barely three days after its star-studded debut in the heart of Nairobi, the KSh14 million custom matatu known as Mood the latest entry in George Ruto’s growing fleet has been temporarily pulled off the road.
Images circulating on social media over the weekend showed the vehicle parked in a local garage, where minor cosmetic damage to its exterior was being addressed.
A post shared on one of the matatu’s official pages confirmed the situation:
“Mood is currently out for touch-ups — we will be back shortly.”
The setback follows Friday night’s massive launch event held outside the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), where hundreds of revellers flooded the CBD for a glimpse of the vehicle and a chance to celebrate with the President’s son.
The event, which included DJ sets, dance battles, and a ceremonial unveiling, transformed the normally congested city centre into a temporary street festival. But the size of the crowd and the absence of visible law enforcement sparked concern.
“Nairobi CBD is currently a crime scene,” one user wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “Thugs have taken over the city. There are no police officers present… stay on high alert.”
Despite those safety worries, Mood was widely praised for its bold design and modern amenities. The matatu features bucket seats with cup holders, USB charging ports at every row, a push-to-start ignition system, solar power integration, and even a fully operational DJ mixing deck mounted in the front cabin.
It also boasts full air conditioning an unusual luxury in Nairobi’s matatu scene.
According to sources familiar with the build, the matatu’s tech-heavy design received full clearance from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), which some transport analysts say could signal a shift in Kenya’s public transit landscape one where functionality and style can co-exist.
But the story is not just about innovation. Mood is part of a growing trend among Nairobi’s younger, image-driven matatu operators who see their vehicles as more than just transport. They are rolling platforms for music, fashion, and social identity.
George Ruto, the youngest son of President William Ruto, is no stranger to this blend of mobility and lifestyle branding. He is also behind Manifest (nicknamed Moneyfest), another matatu known for its glitzy interior and party-bus atmosphere.
Some Kenyans, however, have questioned the optics of such extravagant launches in a country still grappling with economic inequality and youth unemployment.
Still, others argue that the Mood matatu is a refreshing example of what the matatu sector can be when creativity meets ambition.
“It’s not just a matatu it’s a statement,” said James Kariuki, a matatu culture blogger based in Nairobi. “It’s about owning space, culture, and movement in a new way.”
For now, Mood remains off the road. But if the buzz is anything to go by, its return may be even louder than its debut. Fans on social media are already counting down.
“We’re waiting,” one TikTok user wrote under the update post. “Mood can’t park forever.”
As the city cools down from the excitement, what’s clear is that Mood has made its mark not just on the streets of Nairobi, but on the imagination of a generation hungry for something new.
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