Matatu driver who fled police claims he had acute diarrhoea, fined Ksh.70,000

Donald Owuor Ndeda, the driver of a Ganya Sacco minibus an Isuzu, appeared before the Milimani Magistrates Court to answer six traffic-related charges arising from the November 19, 2025 incident, which was widely circulated on social media.

According to the prosecution, Ndeda was captured on video speeding off after a traffic officer attempted to flag him down.

The court heard that the driver’s actions endangered other road users, amounting to reckless driving under the Traffic Act.

Prosecutors further accused Ndeda of causing obstruction by picking up passengers at an unauthorized spot along Valley Road, an offence that contributes to congestion and unsafe boarding practices in the city.

The court was told that, at the time of the incident, the driver was also not wearing the mandatory Public Service Vehicle (PSV) uniform, contrary to Section 103A of the Traffic Act an offence that sparked further concern over compliance within the public transport sector.

Ndeda was additionally charged with ignoring verbal orders from a traffic police officer and failing to stop when directed.

He later skipped his first court appearance on November 21, prompting an extra charge for failing to attend court for plea taking.

Defending himself, Ndeda told the court that he did not intend to evade arrest, claiming instead that he was suffering from a sudden, uncontrollable bout of diarrhoea, which prompted him to rush off in panic.

His explanation drew murmurs in the courtroom, though the magistrate noted that the medical claim did not excuse his conduct on the road.

After weighing the charges, the court imposed a total fine of Ksh 70,000, warning the driver and other PSV operators that endangering the public and ignoring lawful commands from police would not be tolerated.