A video posted online shows President Uhuru Kenyatta driving a vehicle without wearing a seatbelt, sparking outrage among Kenyans.
The footage, which is part of a promo for an interview with Citizen TV anchor Jacque Maribe, shows the President entering a car and driving to his rural home in Gatundu, Kiambu County, without a seatbelt.
The incident occurred despite the National Transport and Safety Authority's (NTSA) ongoing road safety campaign, which included erecting roadblocks on major roads, such as the Thika Superhighway, to catch drivers breaking traffic rules.
According to the Traffic Act, driving without a seatbelt can result in a fine of up to Sh200,000 or imprisonment for up to two years, or both, for a first conviction. Subsequent convictions can lead to a fine of up to Sh400,000 or imprisonment for up to four years, or both.
Many Kenyans expressed disappointment and concern over the President's actions, with some questioning the message it sends to the public. Eliza Wanja commented on Facebook,
Safety first, he is a good president, but tell him to be wearing a seatbelt at all times.
Others, like Jano Nyaga, wondered about the President's decision to drive alone and without a seatbelt, saying
Where is my president going driving by himself? I do not see his BMW outriders? And why is my President not wearing a seatbelt? He likes to joke and it's dangerous.
Some citizens felt that the President should lead by example, especially when it comes to simple safety measures like wearing a seatbelt. Kassim Gade stated,
If he did not wear a seatbelt, and he is the President of the Republic of Kenya, how can you expect an ordinary citizen to wear a seatbelt on the road. Remember you should lead by example on simple things like wearing a seatbelt.
However, others urged caution, suggesting that Kenyans should not judge the President too harshly before viewing the entire video. Star Juma wrote,
My President is a humble man but this video is very short… it should have been longer.
State House digital communications director Dennis Itumbi advised Kenyans to wait for the full feature to be aired before making any judgments, saying
I cannot say anything now until the feature is aired.
