A matatu incident in Nairobi has sparked widespread online debate after a conductor was allegedly captured on video refusing to carry passengers unless they supported the political slogan “Wantam.”
The incident, which surfaced on Instagram through the page spmbuzzke, reportedly shows commuters being turned away after the conductor claimed the vehicle would only ferry passengers who backed the slogan.
The phrase “Wantam” has recently gained traction in Kenya’s political discourse and is largely used by opposition supporters to suggest that President William Ruto will serve only one term in office.
According to the post, several commuters attempting to board the matatu were denied entry after the conductor allegedly insisted the vehicle was reserved for those aligned with the slogan, a claim that has triggered sharp reactions online.
Public service vehicles, commonly known as matatus, are a major pillar of urban transport in Nairobi and are expected to serve any passenger willing to pay the required fare regardless of political affiliation.
Following the circulation of the clip online, Kenyans expressed mixed reactions.
Some criticised the alleged move, warning that introducing political loyalty tests in public transport could deepen political divisions among ordinary commuters.
Others reacted more humorously, suggesting the conductor may have been joking or trying to create a spectacle at the stage before the video began circulating online.
The incident has nevertheless fuelled broader conversations on social media about the growing influence of political slogans in everyday public spaces, particularly within Nairobi’s vibrant matatu culture.
By the time the video continued spreading online, it remained unclear where exactly the incident occurred or which matatu route was involved, and no official response had been issued by authorities.
