One week after President William Ruto's son George launched his matatu venture in Nairobi's CBD, a stage marshal at 98 Sacco has given insight into how things are shaping up. George Sagini, the marshal, described the mood inside the venture as a community-driven effort rather than a political project. He said the company is doing well, and it's a place where young people can find employment and vehicle owners can invest.
George Ruto unveiled six new customised matatus on September 19, 2026, as part of a planned rollout of 16 vehicles this year. The vehicles serve the Embakasi and Ongata Rongai routes into Nairobi's city centre. Sagini extended an open invitation to young people seeking employment and to vehicle owners looking for a reliable platform to park their investments. He said they appreciate the work they are doing and live as a family.
The six units launched represent only the first batch of vehicles George intends to roll out this year, which would bring his total operational fleet to 17. His flagship matatu, Mood, first made its appearance in July 2025, and six more units are said to be finishing up at the garage. The vehicles are equipped with modern amenities, including bucket seats, LED lighting, and heavy-duty sound systems.
Some of the vehicles in the fleet are valued at up to KSh 14 million each and carry names associated with the so-called "Raptor Family." 98 Sacco was formally registered in June 2026 and operates differently from conventional saccos, being privately controlled by George's team rather than pooling ownership across multiple members.
George has spoken previously about his passion for the matatu industry stretching back to his high school days. The venture has not been without controversy, with critics raising questions around the sacco's registration, compliance procedures, and whether the first son's connections have earned it preferential treatment from traffic enforcement authorities.
Despite the controversy, Sagini's message from the stage was clear: the operation is moving forward, the doors are open, and there is room for more. He said they appreciate all the investors who have brought them their vehicles and invited young people to apply for jobs.
The update comes hot on the heels of a viral incident where a 98 Sacco matatu was involved in a confrontation with Super Metro vehicles on the Rongai–Kiserian route. The incident drew crowds and renewed attention to competition among operators on Nairobi's busy commuter corridors.
Key points
- George Ruto's 98 Sacco matatu venture has launched six new customised vehicles as part of a planned rollout of 16 vehicles this year.
- The venture has been controversial, with critics questioning its registration and compliance procedures.
- A stage marshal at 98 Sacco has invited young people to apply for jobs and vehicle owners to invest in the venture.
