Kenya One, the prestigious title for the best matatu in the country, has crowned its latest winner. George Ruto’s Matrix matatu, a strong contender on the Embakasi route, was in the running for the top spot.
However, the title once again went to Opposite, the perennial winner from Umoja, sparking discussions among matatu enthusiasts. Ruto’s effort to see his matatu named Kenya’s best fell short, leaving Opposite to retain its crown.
Which Is Kenya’s Hottest Matatu?
President William Ruto’s son, George Ruto, made waves in the matatu industry with Money Fest, a vibrant matatu serving the Ongata Rongai route. However, Money Fest stirred controversy for operating without inspection by the National Transport and Safety Authority and violating traffic rules. George later ensured the vehicle underwent mandatory inspection before resuming operations.
George then acquired Matrix, a black-and-green-themed matatu operating along the Embakasi route, which quickly gained popularity as a strong contender for the Kenya One title.
The Ma3 Gala Awards 2024, held over the weekend, crowned Umoja’s Opposite, also known as Manunda, as Kenya’s best matatu for the third time. Opposite secured 642 points, while Matrix followed closely with 588 points. The other top contenders included Dandora’s No Fear and Embakasi’s Brawlout.
The title, while not accompanied by monetary rewards, grants winners the ultimate bragging rights. Opposite, freshly refurbished with graffiti and a Canadian flag motif, has become an icon on Kenyan roads.
Despite its strong showing, Matrix fans expressed discontent, with 61% rejecting the award results in an online poll conducted by George’s team. Matatu enthusiast Benson Kungu suggested that Matrix might have clinched the title if George had avoided certain strategic missteps.
“Matrix changed routes when he bought it, infuriating its legion of supporters from Embakasi. The driver, Lenny, was out of a job for a while, yet many passengers loved him.
It went for riko (refurbishment) and returned to Embakasi with Lenny behind the wheel, but the damage was done. Many people switched allegiance to Opposite,” he told TRENDYNEWS.co.ke.
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How Much Does Money Fest Earn?
In other news, George Ruto’s driver, known as Kinara, shed light on the earnings of Money Fest. He revealed that the matatu cost an impressive KSh 20 million to fabricate. However, the staggering monthly income generated by the vehicle has sparked mixed reactions and divided opinions among observers.