Kibera MP Peter Orero’s driver has been fined Ksh100,000 after admitting to violating traffic laws during an incident that sparked public outrage following a confrontation with CNN correspondent Larry Madowo.
The driver appeared at the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi on Monday morning, days after a video of the altercation went viral online. Dressed in a black hoodie, he arrived at the court and pulled the hood over his head upon spotting journalists.
In court, he faced charges of obstructing traffic and driving on the wrong side of the road. The prosecution said he endangered other motorists while escorting the MP to the airport.
“I am sorry, Your Honour. I was in a hurry to drop someone off at the airport. I will not repeat the offence,” he said before being fined and released.
The incident gained traction after Madowo filmed the driver blocking vehicles and hurling remarks during the heated exchange, prompting widespread criticism on social media. Many Kenyans condemned the driver’s behaviour, viewing it as an abuse of privilege by those connected to public officials.
Madowo, in a follow-up video, jokingly vowed to “deliver the footage to President Ruto” after the driver challenged him to do so during their encounter.
The episode drew mixed reactions from lawmakers, with some defending the MP while others distanced themselves from the behaviour. Nairobi County Chief Environment Officer Geoffrey Mosiria even volunteered to assist Madowo in handing the video to the President, urging residents to expose similar acts of impunity.
The National Police Service (NPS) has since weighed in, warning against misuse of power on the roads. Spokesperson Michael Muchiri stressed that only specific emergency vehicles—such as ambulances, fire trucks, and the President’s or Deputy President’s motorcades—are legally permitted to obstruct traffic.
Traffic Police Commandant Fredrick Ochieng’ echoed the warning, saying officers are only allowed to redirect or stop traffic in special circumstances, such as accidents or ongoing investigations.
