Nairobi, Kenya- Lang’ata MP and media personality Jalang’o has strongly defended Nairobi’s famous matatu culture following the court ruling targeting graffiti on public service vehicles.
Reacting to the decision, Jalang’o vowed to support an appeal process and said he would personally cover the legal costs to challenge the ruling in court.
His remarks have quickly drawn attention online, especially among matatu enthusiasts and supporters of Nairobi’s urban creative scene.
“Nganya culture is here to stay. We’re heading back to court, and I will personally cover all legal fees as we appeal the ruling,” Jalang’o said.
Jalang’o argued that this unique identity should be protected rather than restricted. According to him, matatu culture represents the spirit of Nairobi and continues to attract attention from beyond Kenya’s borders.
“This is an industry that drives Nairobi. People travel from all over just to experience matatu culture — the art, the music, the energy,” he said.
Jalang’o emphasized that the matatu industry should not be viewed narrowly as a transport sector. Instead, he described it as a cultural movement that reflects the lifestyle and identity of the capital city.
“It’s more than transport; it’s part of who we are,” he added.
Beyond culture, the matatu sector remains one of the most important economic engines in Nairobi and Kenya at large. Thousands of people rely on it directly and indirectly for income.
Drivers, conductors, mechanics, painters, designers, DJs, fabricators, sound technicians, and content creators all benefit from the ecosystem surrounding the industry.
His involvement also raises the political profile of the issue, turning it into a larger conversation about youth employment, urban identity, and government regulation.
Nairobi’s nganya culture has become one of the city’s most recognizable features. Tourists often seek out rides on famous matatus to experience the sound systems, vibrant interiors, and larger-than-life artwork. International media outlets have also highlighted the vehicles as examples of African urban creativity.
For young creatives, matatus have offered opportunities in design, branding, painting, and entertainment.
