Nairobi’s matatu scene has always been loud, flashy, and unapologetically extra—but this week, it hit an entirely new level.
Meet MOOD, the latest street sensation turning heads, stopping traffic, and pulling in crowds like a superstar.
Unveiled on July 18th at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), MOOD isn’t just a matatu—it’s an experience.
From the moment it rolled up to the venue, escorted by a convoy of other pimped-out nganyas and a live DJ in tow, the message was clear: this wasn’t public transport. This was a statement.
MOOD is owned by George Ruto, the youngest son of President William Ruto—and his entry into the matatu game has officially rewritten the rules.
Yes, his name adds buzz, but it’s the machine itself that’s got Nairobi talking. Think customized LED lighting, a custom grille shaped like a superhero mask, a glowing rear signal that looks like a digital eye, and vibes that scream ‘premium chaos.’
Step inside and it gets even wilder: 25 bucket seats with cupholders and charging ports, arranged in a 2-1 configuration to leave room for what can only be described as a mini dancefloor.
At the front? A full DJ booth, multiple screens, a solar-powered electrical system, and a 65-inch flat-screen to anchor it all. The sound system alone reportedly cost KSh 2 million, and you’ll hear it before you see it.
MOOD is the kind of matatu where you don’t just board—you arrive.
At the launch concert, which offered free entry, Nairobi’s CBD transformed into an impromptu block party.
By 6:00 PM, hundreds of youths had already pulled up in anticipation. DJs and hype MCs took over, and as the night went on, the streets lit up in celebration of Nairobi’s boldest new ride.
And yes, in true Nairobi fashion, the matatu was blessed before hitting the streets. A preacher prayed over it, anointed the seats, and even laid hands on the engine, joined by George Ruto himself. The mix of gospel and gangster? Pure Nairobi.
But beneath the flash and the fame, MOOD represents something deeper: the evolution of Kenya’s urban culture.
Matatus aren’t just transport anymore. They’re billboards, brand extensions, mobile clubs, and artistic statements. And MOOD doesn’t just participate in the culture—it elevates it.
What George Ruto has pulled off is nothing short of genius. He’s the only person who has united Gen Z in one place without calling a protest.
With a customized Sh1 million number plate, a high-end lounge interior, and all the trappings of a mobile concert venue, he’s created a matatu that feels more like a pop icon than a vehicle.
In fact, some say he’s now the most famous Ruto after his father—and arguably, the coolest.
Despite being a trained pilot and the family’s lastborn, George Ruto has found his lane—and it’s loud, lit, and laser-focused on youth culture. In the eyes of Kenya’s young people, he’s not just relatable. He’s relevant.
And maybe, just maybe, that’s exactly what his father needs—a bridge to the youth, built not with speeches, but with bass, lights, and a matatu called MOOD.
