We're law abiding citizens! MP Orero apologises after overlapping incident

Kibra MP Peter Orero has issued an apology to Kenyans after the driver’s overlapping incident in a video that went viral on social media.

On Monday, MP Orero’s driver, George Oduor, was fined Sh100,000 or he will be jailed for a year for the offense.

Speaking hours after his driver was fined, MP Orero said they are law-abiding citizens apologising over the incident.

“Somebody asked me why I was trending in the last three days. When on social media, they saw I was trending. We are law-abiding citizens, Kibra residents and their representatives are law-abiding citizens. That day my driver overlapped a little bit and he was caught on the wrong. He has since acknowledged the mistake of overlapping and driving on the wrong side of the road and has been fined,” Orero said on Monday.

This is after police launched a search for Kibra Member of Parliament Orero’s driver after a viral video showed him allegedly driving on the wrong side of the road while hurling insults at other motorists.

The incident, captured by CNN journalist Larry Madowo, showed the legislator appearing unfazed by the traffic violation, even daring the journalist to share the footage with President William Ruto—a remark interpreted by many as a show of arrogance.

Following public outrage, the National Police Service (NPS) condemned the obstruction of traffic by individuals claiming VIP privileges.

Police spokesperson Michael Muchiri clarified that only emergency vehicles, such as ambulances, fire engines, the President and Deputy President’s motorcades, and, in special circumstances, military convoys, are permitted to obstruct traffic.

Milimani magistrate Rose Ndombi jailed Oduor for 12 months, or he pays a fine of Sh100,000, being the maximum fine provided for in law.

Oduor was Monday charged with dangerously overtaking a flow of vehicles along Oloitoktok Road within Nairobi County.

He was driving MP Orero's Toyota Prado. Oduor pleaded guilty and asked the court for forgiveness, saying it was the first time he had committed such an offence.

"I was rushing to the airport, and there was traffi,c so I thought I could overtake to save time. I'm a first-time offender and I will not repeat the mistake," Oduor said.

However, the state pressed for maximum penalties, saying the overtaking was intentional and that Oduor's reaction, as caught on camera, reeks of impunity.

"Having heard the mitigation and considering the sentence as provided for in law, this court fines you Sh100000 failing which you will be jailed for 12 months," the magistrate said.

Oduor was given 14 days to appeal if he so wishes.