On February 11, 2026, a dramatic standoff unfolded in the Allsops area along Outer Ring Road in Nairobi, Kenya, during the morning rush hour.
A professionally dressed pedestrian, whose identity remains unknown, boldly blocked a blue matatu, a public minibus, with the registration number KCA 527T. The vehicle had veered onto the crowded pedestrian walkway to bypass heavy traffic congestion.
The driver accelerated and inched closer in an attempt to force the man aside, sparking a heated verbal exchange. However, the resolute pedestrian stood firm, emphasizing the importance of pedestrian rights and road safety.
Bystanders, including street vendors and passersby, gathered to watch the one-minute incident where a conductor in a different matatu was spewing threats; telling the unmoved man that the morgues are not yet full. “You should have covered several meters away from here now instead of standing”
Many recorded it on their phones and voiced support for the man’s actions, which quickly drew a crowd and ignited online debates about driver impunity and urban road discipline.
The video of the event went viral on social media platforms like X, spotlighting the matatu’s attempt to use the walkway as a shortcut.
In response, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) announced it would investigate the vehicle’s Sacco.
The agency stated, “Our attention is drawn to the unfortunate incident that puts pedestrians’ lives at risk and damages road infrastructure.
“We will follow up with the Sacco and update the public on the actions taken,”
This incident has reignited discussions on enforcing traffic rules in Kenya’s bustling urban areas, where matatus’ practice of overlapping, driving on sidewalks or shoulders, is common but highly dangerous.
Starboy, one of the X users stated that “Stricter measures should be put in place. Not just retests alone, but heavy fines on the Sacco and individual, suspension or revoking of the drivers licenses.”
