Kibra MP Orero apologises after ‘takataka’ slur as his driver fined for traffic violation
In the widely shared clip, Orero was seen with his driver, George Oduor, referring to the journalist as “takataka” (rubbish). The MP has since expressed regret, describing the incident as unfortunate.
Kibra MP Peter Orero has apologised to Kenyans just hours after his driver was charged with violating traffic rules in an incident captured on video by journalist Larry Madowo.
In the widely shared clip, Orero was seen with his driver, George Oduor, referring to the journalist as “takataka” (rubbish). The MP has since expressed regret, describing the incident as unfortunate.
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Addressing residents of Kibra on Monday afternoon alongside Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, Orero said both he and his driver were law-abiding citizens.
“We are law-abiding citizens. My driver and I acknowledged our mistake of overlapping and driving on the wrong side of the road,” said Orero.
The MP admitted they were in the wrong and stressed the importance of observing traffic rules.
George Oduor, the MP’s driver, was caught on camera dangerously overtaking vehicles along Oloitoktok Road in Nairobi. He was fined Sh100,000 or, in default, sentenced to one year in jail—the maximum penalty under the law.
Pleaded guilty
Milimani Magistrate Rose Ndombi delivered the ruling on Monday after Oduor pleaded guilty to the offence and asked the court for leniency.
“I was rushing to the airport and there was traffic, so I thought I could overtake to save time. I'm a first-time offender, and I will not repeat the mistake,” Oduor said.
However, state prosecutors urged the court to impose the maximum sentence, arguing that Oduor’s actions and attitude—captured on camera—reflected “impunity.”
“Having heard the mitigation and considering the sentence as provided for in law, this court fines you Sh100,000, failing which you will be jailed for 12 months,” the magistrate said.
Oduor was granted 14 days to appeal.
The incident, filmed by CNN journalist Larry Madowo, appeared to show the MP unfazed by the violation and even daring Madowo to share the footage with President William Ruto—a comment many interpreted as arrogance.
The National Police Service (NPS) later condemned the obstruction of traffic by individuals claiming VIP privileges.
Permitted to obstruct traffic
Police spokesperson Michael Muchiri clarified that only emergency vehicles—such as ambulances, fire engines, the President’s and Deputy President’s motorcades, and in special cases, military convoys—are permitted to obstruct traffic.
Traffic Police Commandant Fredrick Ochieng added that officers could only interfere with traffic flow when managing incidents that take significant time to resolve.
“As I was speaking earlier, there was a case involving a vehicle using diplomatic number plates that was found driving on the wrong side. It turned out that the plates were fake, and the car was not a diplomatic vehicle. We are still investigating that matter,” Ochieng’ said.
The saga has reignited public debate on impunity on Kenyan roads, with many Kenyans calling for equal accountability for all motorists, regardless of social or political status.
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