Meet Nakuru matatu driver who gives free rides to persons with disabilities and the elderly
Peter Muigai during an interview with Mtaa Wangu on November 1, 2023.
We meet Peter Muigai at Mashambani stage in Nakuru city.
The 40-year-old and father of three is waiting for his matatu to return at Nuclear Sacco stage before proceeding to Nairobi.
While it may seem like a normal matatu, Muigai’s vehicle has a unique twist. His vehicle offers free rides to people above 70 years old as well as persons with disability.
Before Mr Muigai settled in owning a matatu, he was previously working in the Nakuru Governor’s office. Unfortunately, office politics saw him fired.
“I found myself at crossroads, unsure of what the future held. With a heavy heart, I began to contemplate my next steps, as I consistently prayed for God to open a new way for me.”
After five months, Muigai decided to take a leap of faith and jump into the transport sector.
With the severance pay he got from his employer, Muigai bought a matatu and registered it under Nuclear Sacco.
“To me it wasn’t just a matatu. It was my way to give back to the world. Because of the hard time I experienced at my previous work place, I made a personal decision to make life easier for other people,” he adds.
Interestingly, Muigai advices the passengers who are exempt from paying fare to offer that money to their respective churches and say a prayer over his life.
Mr Muigai has used his matatu since May as a vehicle of kindness and a beacon of hope for the elderly and people with disability, providing them with reliable transportation to their destinations.
“Currently, I have employed one person whom we interchange as driver and conductor. He too knows that this principle must be adhered to,” he says firmly.
Speaking to Mtaa Wangu, Muigai’s colleagues admit that they are in awe of his decision.
(From left) Lucy Wanja, James Wairegi and Naomi Wambui of Nuclear Sacco in Nakuru city during an interview on November 1, 2023.
“His deeds inspire me to do the same in the future."
Another employee at Nuclear sacco, Naomi Wambui, says “Peter is a man to look up to. There are a lot of blessings awaiting him.”
As for James Wairegi, he had only four words, "tenda wema nenda zako."
Asked how he knows one is 70 years and above, Muigai states that he judges people from their appearance, adding that most times he is correct.
“If I am not certain, then I politely ask.”
Mr Muigai concludes by saying, “My act of kindness will not end. If things go as planned, I would love to have an organization that will be providing basic needs to the less privileged in society.”