Kibra Member of Parliament (MP) Peter Orero has issued a public apology, hours after his driver was fined for violating traffic rules during a widely publicized road rage incident last week.
The controversy erupted after a viral video showed MP Orero and his driver, George Oduor, exchanging insults with CNN journalist Larry Madowo, who had blocked their car from driving on the wrong side of the road (overlapping).
Addressing residents of Kibra, with Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi present, Orero acknowledged the mistake and reiterated his commitment to being a law-abiding citizen.
“We are law-abiding citizens. My driver and I acknowledged our mistake of overlapping and driving on the wrong side of the road,” the MP stated. He confirmed that the driver had faced the legal consequences: “My driver has already paid the price, he was fined and has been released. He has also learnt his lesson.”
The MP admitted that his driver was at fault and stressed the importance of following traffic regulations.
Driver Fined After Guilty Plea
On Monday, the driver, George Oduor, was arraigned in court and pleaded guilty to the traffic offense, requesting leniency. However, following a push by the prosecution for a maximum sentence, Magistrate Rose Ndombi imposed a hefty fine.
The National Police Service (NPS) subsequently issued a condemnation of individuals who misuse perceived VIP privileges to obstruct traffic and disregard the law.
ODPP Clarifies Decision Not to Charge MP
The fact that the MP was seen on video beside his driver during the incident led to public questions about why Orero himself did not face legal action.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has since provided a clarification. On Monday, the ODPP stated that after reviewing the evidence, there was no indication that the driver acted under the MP’s instructions or orders.
“Regarding this matter, it is important to clarify that the available evidence does not demonstrate that the driver acted on anyone’s instructions or orders,” the ODPP said.
The ODPP explained that without concrete evidence of complicity, such as a direct order from Orero to his driver to overlap, charges could not be filed against the Kibra lawmaker.