CNN International Correspondent Larry Madowo has questioned the fairness of fining Kibera MP Peter Orero's driver while the legislator, who was present during the incident, faces no consequences.
In a short statement on Monday, Madowo questioned whether the driver acted independently or under instructions from his boss, who was seated next to him in the vehicle.
"The Kibra MP's driver, George Oduor, was fined Ksh100,000 after pleading guilty to obstruction and dangerous overtaking. Did he do that without permission from his boss, Peter Orero, who was next to him?” Madowo questioned. “The MP was the first to dare me to take it to Ruto, not the driver. Anyway, I helped GoK make back Sh100,000 of its own money.”
The remarks come after George Oduor appeared before the Milimani Law Courts on Monday, October 13, where he was charged with breaking traffic laws and obstructing other road users.
During the court proceedings, Oduor admitted to the offences and apologized, explaining that he was in a hurry to drop someone off at the airport when he encountered traffic.
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"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 told the court.
Despite the apology, the magistrate fined the driver Ksh100,000, with an alternative of 12 months in prison if he failed to pay. The court also granted him 14 days to appeal the ruling if he was dissatisfied.
The controversy began over the weekend when Madowo captured MP Orero and his driver violating traffic rules in a video that quickly went viral on social media.
In the footage, Orero's vehicle is seen being driven on the wrong side of the road. When Madowo, who was driving in the correct lane, refused to give way, a heated confrontation ensued.
The CNN journalist pulled out his phone to record the incident, prompting an angry reaction from Orero, who was seated in the passenger seat.
"Take that video to President William Ruto rubbish," both Orero and his driver could be heard saying during the exchange.
The incident sparked widespread condemnation on social media, with many Kenyans expressing disappointment over the conduct of the Kibera legislator, describing it as reckless and unbecoming of a public leader.
The Motorists Association of Kenya also weighed in, calling for action against Orero's driver and emphasizing the need for humility among those serving public officials.
"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," the association stated.