Kibra Member of Parliament Peter Orero’s driver was on Monday, October 13 arraigned in court following a viral video of him violating traffic rules.
The driver, who appeared before the Milimani law courts, was charged with breaking traffic laws and obstructing other road users.
During the hearing, Orero’s driver admitted to violating traffic rules. The driver apologized to the court, saying he was in a hurry to drop someone off at the airport.
“Your honor, I made a mistake, but it wasn’t intentional. I was rushing to the airport when I encountered traffic. As I tried to overtake, I ended up blocking another car. I therefore ask the court to forgive me; this is the first time I’ve made such a mistake,” he said.
The magistrate acknowledged the driver’s apology but fined him Ksh100,000 for the offence.
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“You will pay a fine of Ksh100,000 in default, you will serve 12 months in prison. You have 14 days right of appeal if dissatisfied with the order of this court,” the magistrate ruled.
Orero and his driver have been under criticism for the better part of the weekend after CNN international correspondent Larry Madowo caught them on camera violating traffic rules.
In the viral video, Orero is seen in a vehicle being driven on the wrong side of the road.
Madowo, who was driving on the correct lane, refused to make way for the Kibra lawmaker’s vehicle, triggering a tense exchange between the two sides.
The CNN journalist pulled out his phone to record the incident, but upon noticing this, Orero, seated in the passenger seat, lashed out at him.
“Take that video to President William Ruto rubbish,” Orero and his driver could be heard saying during the altercation.
The provocation sparked a heated back-and-forth between the two.
Madowo responded to the two, saying, “Okay, I will take it to Ruto, that’s the only thing that you are afraid of?”
The ODM MP’s car then sped off, with his driver still yelling at Madowo over the incident.
Many social media users expressed frustration over the conduct of the Kibra MP, describing it as reckless and unbecoming of a public leader.
The Motorists Association of Kenya condemned the incident and demanded that action be taken against Orero’s driver.
“We echo CNN’s Larry Madowo’s concern over the reckless GOK driver. We demand the immediate arrest and prosecution of the driver to deter similar misconduct. Carrying a VIP requires humility, not arrogance. Taxpayers fund your salary,” said the association.
Nairobi County Environment Chief Officer Geoffrey Mosiria commended Madowo for recording the MP and his driver, noting that leaders should respect traffic laws.
“I want to say this, and please share this video until it reaches Larry. What he did was the right thing. Record all those people who are breaking the law, because as an honorable member, you have to do the right thing. Especially members of parliament, you are the ones who make these laws,” said Mosiria.
