A veteran matatu driver working under George Ruto’s 98 Sacco has spoken out about life behind the wheel of one of Nairobi’s most talked-about transport fleets, crediting the brand with opening doors for the youth.
Robin Ondieki, who brings 15 years of driving experience to the job, currently operates one of the six newly added customised minibuses that joined the 98 Sacco fleet last month.
What did the 98 Sacco matatu driver say?
Sharing his thoughts on working within the fleet during a street interview, Ondieki expressed genuine appreciation for the opportunities it had created.
”We have these new vehicles here operating under 98 Sacco. This is where I work, and I am grateful because it has created job opportunities, and now the youth can benefit,” he said.
He also gave a positive account of day-to-day operations since the new vehicles launched.
”The experience so far has been great. We have been dealing with customers well,” Ondieki added.
His remarks came shortly after George unveiled six new 33-seater customised minibuses in Nairobi’s Central Business District on September 19, 2026, an event that drew considerable public interest, partly because a pastor blessed the vehicles with holy water before they hit the road.
Inside George Ruto’s 98 Sacco fleet
George has spoken about matatus being a passion he has carried since his high school days.
He began the venture in 2025 with a single vehicle, and the fleet has since grown to 17 matatus, with six more reportedly in preparation to join the brand.
The 98 Sacco vehicles have been built out in the classic Nairobi nganya style, complete with elaborate graffiti, bucket seats, custom rims, ambient LED lighting and booming sound systems. The flagship ride, Mood, also features built-in DJ decks.
A standard Isuzu 33-seater starts at around KSh6.8 million, but with heavy customisation, each unit can cost upwards of KSh7 million, putting the value of the six newest additions at a combined figure of over KSh42 million.
The fleet operates mainly on routes serving Embakasi and Ongata Rongai.The very first matatu George acquired, Raptor, inspired the group name Raptor Family, while the wider fleet includes Money Fest, Mood, Matrix and Manifest.
Not all has been smooth sailing. Money Fest was impounded by the National Transport and Safety Authority in January 2025, along with another fleet vehicle called Ambush, over allegations of reckless driving.
