John Thiongo, the driver of a Super Metro bus, found himself in hot water after a viral video captured him making a hazardous U-turn on the Thika Superhighway. The incident, which shocked many, led to his arrest on charges of drunk driving and endangering the lives of road users.
Thiongo, along with his conductor Kelvin Wanjua, appeared before Milimani Senior Principal Magistrate Geoffrey Onsarigo to face three separate counts of violating traffic regulations. The charges stemmed from the alarming incident captured on camera, where Thiongo was seen maneuvering the bus in a reckless manner.
Super Metro Driver charged
According to the charge sheet reviewed by TUKO.co.ke, Thiongo was accused of operating motor vehicle registration number KOJ 285G while under the influence of alcohol. His alcohol levels were tested at 0.2531g/1 instead of the legal limit of 0.000 Mg/1, indicating a significant impairment.
In addition to drunk driving, Thiongo faced charges of causing obstruction under Section 53 of the Traffic Act for making a U-turn in the middle of the busy highway. This reckless maneuver not only violated traffic rules but also posed a serious risk to other road users.
Furthermore, Thiongo was charged with failing to ensure the safety of passengers by turning on the highway with the door open, exposing them to potential harm.
During the court proceedings, Thiongo pleaded not guilty to all charges. Magistrate Onsarigo granted him temporary freedom on a KSh 1 million bond or a cash bail alternative of KSh 300,000.
Meanwhile, conductor Kelvin Wanjua also faced three charges, including riding in a dangerous position and failing to ensure passenger safety. Wanjua, like Thiongo, denied all charges and was released on a bond of KSh 300,000 or a cash bail option of the same amount.
The case highlights the importance of adhering to traffic regulations and the serious consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol. It serves as a reminder to all drivers to prioritize road safety and exercise responsible behaviour behind the wheel to prevent accidents and protect lives.
