The Nairobi CBD turned into a spectacle of light, music, and street culture on Friday night as George Ruto, son of President William Ruto, launched his latest luxury matatu dubbed Mood — a high-end, entertainment-themed ride valued at Ksh14 million.
Hundreds of youth descended upon the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) for the unveiling, which began with prayers and a symbolic blessing of the matatu. But the main event was the electrifying street concert that followed, blending Nairobi’s iconic matatu culture with high-octane music performances and club-like lighting.
Mood, the newest addition to George Ruto’s growing luxury fleet, features state-of-the-art installations including custom bucket seats with cup holders and USB charging ports, a push-to-start ignition, full air conditioning, solar integration, and a fully equipped professional DJ mixing deck in the front.
The vehicle’s launch parade briefly snaked through the Nairobi CBD, bringing traffic to a standstill and drawing the attention of excited fans and passersby. The raucous celebration, however, also triggered alarm among commuters, with several social media users warning of heightened petty crime and a perceived absence of law enforcement.
Despite the security concerns, many observers praised the vehicle’s unique blend of functionality and design. Mood’s futuristic interior and entertainment-first concept point to a new wave in Nairobi’s matatu scene — one that merges tech innovation, urban art, and lifestyle branding.
This isn’t George Ruto’s first matatu making waves. His earlier project, Manifest (nicknamed Moneyfest), stunned the public with its LED walls, nightclub feel, and audio-visual setup that made it a favorite among Gen-Z commuters and social media influencers.
Sources close to the project confirmed that Mood had received full approval from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), signaling growing tolerance — and perhaps encouragement — for customization and luxury in public service vehicles, provided they meet regulatory standards.
The matatu is expected to officially begin operations on Nairobi roads next week, joining a growing niche of commuter vehicles that offer more than just transportation: they provide an experience.
As Kenya’s youth continue to dominate digital trends, music scenes, and urban creativity, the rise of lifestyle-branded matatus like Mood represents more than flamboyance — it captures a generational shift in how public spaces, art, and business intersect in modern Nairobi.
