Unique Number Plates on George Ruto’s New Bus Spark Heated Reactions in Nairobi

Kenyans were left stunned on Friday evening when a flashy new bus rolled into the CBD, escorted with fanfare—but it wasn’t just the glow or design that caught their attention. The number plate, boldly reading MOOD, stirred confusion and speculation across social media.

The luxury bus, launched by President William Ruto’s son George Ruto at a high-profile event at KICC, marked a new chapter in public transport culture. Entertainers lit up the event, mostly attended by youthful Gen Zs, as the gleaming bus took its ceremonial first ride through Nairobi’s streets. But behind the cheers and selfies was a louder online chatter: why was a public service vehicle using what appears to be a private, customised plate?

The custom plate—MOOD—has never been seen on a matatu or bus before, leading to widespread belief that the younger Ruto may have leveraged state influence. However, legal experts clarified that under NTSA rules, any Kenyan citizen can request a personalised plate—if they can afford it. This has not stopped claims of privilege and double standards from surfacing online.

By Saturday morning, screenshots of the bus had already gone viral, and users on X questioned if this would now become the new trend for Kenya’s “Nganya culture.” While NTSA is yet to comment, the plate remains on the road, and the bus continues to operate.

What remains unclear is whether this move is just a branding stunt or the beginning of a broader shift in matatu culture led by political elites. No formal investigations have been opened—yet.