Please forgive me, I am a first time offender - MP Orero’s driver pleads with court

Driver of Kibera Mp George Oduor in court charged with dangerous overtaking, where he pleaded guilty and released on Sh100, 000 or 12 months in prison/EZEKIEL AMING'A

The driver of Kibra MP Peter Orero, George Oduor, appeared before Milimani Magistrate Rose Ndombi on Monday, pleading for leniency after being charged with dangerous driving.

Oduor admitted guilt to the offence and implored the court for mercy, explaining that it was his first violation of traffic laws.

“I was rushing to the airport and there was traffic, so I thought I could overtake to save time. I am a first-time offender, and I will not repeat the mistake,” he told the magistrate.

Despite the remorse he expressed in court, Oduor’s attitude earlier sparked public outrage when a CNN correspondent, Larry Madowo, recorded an altercation during the commission of the offence.

The video, which quickly went viral on social media, showed Oduor confronting Madowo and dismissively telling him to take his grievances to President William Ruto.

The journalist accepted the challenge, prompting widespread criticism of Oduor’s tone and language.

Though Madowo admitted he did not initially recognise the MP during the exchange, Kenyan social media users were quick to identify the driver, fueling a debate about the behavior of individuals close to public officials and their apparent sense of impunity on the roads.

The incident also prompted statements from the National Police Service (NPS), with spokesperson Michael Muchiri condemning the obstruction of traffic by those claiming VIP privileges.

He clarified that only emergency vehicles—such as ambulances, fire engines, and official motorcades for the President and Deputy President—and military convoys under special circumstances are permitted to block traffic flow.

Traffic Police Commandant Fredrick Ochieng’ weighed in on the matter, noting that officers are only authorized to interfere with traffic during incidents that require extended resolution times.

Ochieng’ also revealed an ongoing investigation into a vehicle using fake diplomatic plates, which was caught driving on the wrong side of the road—a case highlighting the broader issue of road violations involving impersonation and misuse of authority.

During his court appearance, Oduor wore a black hooded sweatshirt, pulling the hood up to conceal his identity from cameras as he entered the building—a stark contrast to the confrontational behavior captured earlier on video.

Milimani Magistrate Rose Ndombi sentenced Oduor to a fine of Sh100,000 or one year imprisonment, emphasising that the fine represented the maximum penalty under the law for the offence.

Oduor now faces the decision of either paying the fine or serving the jail term.

The case underscored ongoing concerns about road safety and accountability among those connected to political figures.

It also highlighted the growing role of media and social platforms in exposing misconduct and demanding higher standards of behaviour, even from those in positions of influence.