Kenya's matatu industry is more than just transportation; it's a vibrant subculture defined by dazzling artistry, roaring engines, and an unshakeable community spirit. At the heart of this dynamic scene is George Ruto, a prominent figure whose foray into the matatu business began with the acquisition of "Matrix Nganya" from a close friend. This initial step has since blossomed into a formidable fleet, signaling a serious commitment to an industry that, as his driver Lenny reveals, can generate an astonishing KSh100,000 daily. The recent grand unveiling of his newest addition, "Mood," however, has added an unexpected twist to this thriving narrative.
The launch of "Mood" was, by all accounts, an unforgettable spectacle. Thousands of matatu enthusiasts, undeterred even by persistent rain, converged at the iconic Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) to welcome the latest masterpiece to George's expanding fleet. "Mood" now joins the ranks of other celebrated matatus like "Raptor," "Money Fest," and "Matrix," bringing George's total to four uniquely customized vehicles. The sheer turnout underscored the passionate devotion of Kenyans to their matatu culture, showcasing the powerful connection between these rolling art pieces and their dedicated followers.
The euphoria of the grand unveiling on Friday, July 18, was swiftly followed by an unforeseen setback. Despite its spectacular debut, "Mood" only managed a single day of operation on Saturday before being promptly returned to the garage. The reason? Significant damage sustained during its own launch. Reports indicate that overzealous revelers, caught up in the excitement, reportedly stood on the vehicle's roof, potentially causing harm to its sensitive solar panels and triggering unforeseen mechanical issues. Further compounding the problems, its windows were found broken, and the sound system appeared faulty, hinting at deeper underlying power supply concerns.
In the wake of this unexpected development, Lenny, the seasoned driver now at the helm of "Mood" (having previously navigated "Matrix"), maintained a low profile online. This brief silence, however, only fueled intense speculation and a deluge of inquiries from concerned fans, prompting Lenny to break his silence in a heartfelt social media post on Wednesday, July 23. His message was one of profound gratitude, radiating pure joy despite the circumstances. "You have been in the comments section and DM asking why I was quiet since Mood was launched. I am not silent; I am still here. The only thing that I have is happiness. My heart is full of joy, and I don’t know how to explain it,” Lenny shared, his words resonating deeply with supporters.
Lenny further conveyed the entire crew's immense appreciation for the outpouring of love from Kenyans. “If you came to KICC, thank you so much, we appreciate it as the Raptor Family. You came through, got rained on, but did not leave as you stood with us," he passionately stated, acknowledging their unwavering dedication. This sentiment was powerfully echoed by "Mood’s" official page, which posted, “Big respect to everyone who showed up for the Mood Grand Entrance, rain and cold didn’t stop the vibe. Lenny, thanks for the heartfelt appreciation, Mood Family to the world.”
