George Ruto’s highly anticipated Mood matatu made a memorable entrance at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), attracting thousands of matatu culture enthusiasts. However, just days after its grand unveiling, the vehicle is now back in the garage for repairs following damage sustained during the launch event.
According to TUKO.co.ke, the Mood matatu was damaged due to the excitement from overenthusiastic fans who attended the event. The matatu’s windows were reportedly damaged, and there were also hints of possible mechanical issues.
Mood Matatu: A Revolutionary Design with High Hopes
Mood matatu was a highly anticipated vehicle, especially due to its unique solar-powered setup, which is reportedly the first of its kind in Kenya. The vehicle was designed to incorporate high-end features that align with the matatu culture, such as 65-inch screens, a DJ deck, bucket seats, and even space for dancing.
Mood’s standout feature is its solar-powered design, a bold move towards more sustainable transport options in Kenya. Built as a 25-seater instead of the typical 32-seater, it aims to compete for the Kenya One title, attracting significant attention.
The matatu’s sound system was another notable feature. Equipped with Deaf Bonce Apocalypse DB-4518R-4500W speakers, each costing around KSh 180,000, the total sound system cost a staggering KSh 2 million. With such extravagant investments, Mood was expected to be a game-changer in the matatu business.
The Launch Day Chaos: A Damaging Event
During the launch event, footage showed a large crowd gathered around Mood matatu, with numerous people standing on the vehicle’s roof, which holds its solar panels. This enthusiastic crowd, eager to be a part of the event, likely contributed to the damage sustained by the matatu.
Austin Oluoch, a resident of Pipeline, who boarded the matatu on the following Saturday, reported that the sound system was experiencing power supply issues. He also speculated that the solar panels might have been damaged due to the excessive weight on the roof during the launch.
Embassava Sacco official Jackson Nyang’au confirmed that after only one operational day, the matatu was sent back to the garage for touch-ups and minor repairs. The official noted that meeting the launch deadline had been challenging, contributing to the vehicle’s mechanical and aesthetic issues.
Future Plans and Expectations for Mood Matatu
Despite the initial setback, the Mood matatu is expected to return to the streets soon. The official Instagram page for Mood confirmed that the vehicle is undergoing repairs, captioning a video of the matatu in the garage with, “We won’t be long.”
As Mood matatu is set to operate on the busy Embakasi and Rongai routes, many are eager to see if the repairs will address the earlier issues. This unique matatu is expected to compete with other prominent vehicles in the industry and add a new level of excitement to Kenya’s matatu culture.
A History of Public Attention
This is not the first time George Ruto has drawn attention with his matatu business. Earlier this month, a video surfaced showing Ruto’s matatu driving recklessly around a roundabout on City Hall Way, near the Supreme Court in Nairobi. The video sparked debates about the safety of such driving practices.
Conclusion: A Bumpy Start, but the Journey Continues
The Mood matatu has had a rocky start, with damage sustained during its highly anticipated launch. However, its unique features and solar-powered design continue to make it a standout vehicle in the Kenyan transport industry. As it undergoes repairs and fine-tuning, fans of matatu culture are eagerly waiting to see if Mood can live up to its lofty expectations.
While the road ahead may have a few bumps, Mood matatu remains a symbol of innovation in Kenya’s matatu scene, offering a glimpse of what the future of public transport could look like.
