Maina Kageni: 26 Years of Matatu Abstinence, Ready to Take the Plunge

In a world where many of us have grown up navigating the bustling streets of Nairobi in the humble matatu, it’s hard to imagine life without them. But for Classic 105’s breakfast presenter Maina Kageni, it’s been 26 long years since he last boarded one.
During a recent conversation with Mwalimu King’ang’i on the Kasheshe segment, King’ang’i asked Maina when he last walked or used a matatu. Maina’s response was shocking – “I need one sacco to volunteer to take me anywhere to Kilimani…I used Matatu the last time in 1997.”
King’ang’i was quick to suggest that Maina should take a matatu in a busy route like Githurai to truly experience the madness that can ensue on public transport. But will Maina take the plunge and finally board a matatu after all these years?
It seems that the answer is yes, as Maina expressed interest in taking a matatu to a destination of his choice. After all, it’s been over two decades since he’s had the chance to experience the joys of squeezing into a crowded matatu, the thrill of haggling with a makanga over the fare, and the rush of adrenaline when the matatu driver speeds through traffic like a formula one driver.
Of course, Maina isn’t the only public figure who’s been living a car-centric lifestyle. Vera Sidika hasn’t boarded a matatu in 14 years, having bought her first car as a first-year student at Kenyatta University. But will she take a cue from Maina and take a ride on the wild side? Only time will tell.
In a world where many of us take public transport for granted, it’s refreshing to see someone like Maina Kageni ready to take the plunge and experience a slice of life that many of us are all too familiar with. Who knows, maybe he’ll even find a new appreciation for the humble matatu and all the chaos that comes with it.