“End This Nonsense”: Kenyans Demand Manyoka Ban After Fatal Crash

A fresh discussion has emerged online over the future of Manyoka culture, with Kenyans calling for the matatu stunt to be banned altogether following a fatal road accident that claimed the lives of 7 people on Wednesday night.

The discussion gained momentum after reports surfaced that a matatu was allegedly performing a Manyoka stunt before it lost control and fell onto crew members and passengers clinging to the door.

Following the accidents, Kenyans openly questioned why the stunt is still tolerated despite repeated warnings about road safety.

“I strongly believe either it is our institutions that are weak or the traffic laws are not punitive enough for such recklessness,” stated a Kenyans on X.

Manyoka Nganya Culture Faces Criticism After Accident

They also expressed anger over what they described as the normalization of dangerous behaviour in the matatu industry, arguing that Manyoka stunts have turned public transport into a life-threatening spectacle rather than a safe mode of travel.

In addition, some questioned the broader state of enforcement within the transport sector, arguing that weak regulation has allowed dangerous practices to continue unchecked despite frequent accidents involving matatus.

“The Nganya culture is taking us nowhere. We need some order and sanity in this industry,” another comment read.

Also Read: Matatu Overturns With Passengers on Board in Night Accident

Further, Kenyans have described Manyoka as an accident waiting to happen, arguing that public transport should prioritize safety over entertainment.

They added that the stunt sends the wrong message by normalizing dangerous behaviour among young people who admire matatu culture.

Kenyans have argued and insisted that no form of entertainment is worth risking human lives.

“There exists no such thing as Nganya culture in the Republic of Kenya. Just a bunch of uncivilized individuals flaunting traffic rules and celebrated by a careless public! End this nonsense,”

About the Famous Nganya Culture

Manyoka is a stunt commonly associated with Nganya culture, where crew members or passengers hang from moving matatus, swing from doors, or position themselves outside vehicles while they are in motion.

It is often done to attract attention, entertain crowds, promote a matatu brand, or show off during road trips and matatu events.

Although it is widely criticized because it puts both the person performing the stunt and other road users at risk, videos of Manyoka frequently circulate on social media because of their daring nature.

Also Read: Why Matatu Operators Called Off the Strike — Ruto Finally Explains

Ruto Allows Use of Graffiti on Matatu

This criticism comes shortly after President William Ruto directed the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to facilitate an enabling environment that allows matatu operators to continue using artwork and graffiti on their vehicles.

Speaking at a press briefing in Mombasa, Ruto said the designs must also adhere to road safety standards and respect for other road users.

He further added that the government recognizes the important role of creativity and self-expression in Kenya’s transport culture.

He added that he had received concerns from stakeholders in the matatu industry suggesting that operators were being instructed to remove all graphics from their vehicles.

“The industry is telling me that they have been told they must remove all graphics from their matatus, and I’m asking myself why?” he said.

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Matatu. Photo/file