Claims have surfaced on social media alleging that Matatu sector leaders who recently met government officials were each issued KSh 500,000 in a quiet arrangement ahead of further engagements in Mombasa.
Popular blogger Cyprian Nyakundi shared details attributed to an unidentified insider, claiming about 30 leaders were involved and the total payout could be around KSh 15 million. The same reports also suggest that flight tickets have been booked for a planned trip to Mombasa for further talks involving senior government officials, including President William Ruto, though these claims remain unverified.
“Matatu sector leaders were each given KSh 500,000 in a quiet deal reportedly facilitated through Governor Sakaja.
“With about 30 leaders involved, the total payout is said to be around KSh 15 million. I am also told flight tickets have been booked for them to travel to Mombasa for a meeting with President William Ruto,” Nyakundi shared today Wednesday.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, on his part, addressed the ongoing discussions, revealing that the government expects to reach an agreement with public transport operators by Saturday, May 23.
Speaking in an interview on Hot 96 on Wednesday evening, Mr. Sakaja said negotiations are progressing well and expressed optimism that a deal will soon be concluded.
“You should hear something by Saturday… actually Friday,” Sakaja said. He added that the objective is to ensure the government does not lose its tax revenue while also giving Kenyans some breathing space amid ongoing talks on transport regulation and sector reforms.
Kennedy Kunda who was part of the #matatu delegation has dismissed ‘the envelope’ claims saying saying he has not seen any and has no intentions to receive any amount of bribe.
“I haven’t received any envelope and I am not ready for one,” he was quoted by a local outlet.
The bribery claims have nevertheless sparked debate online, with calls for transparency in government engagements with transport operators as discussions continue.
Observers say clarity will be key as negotiations advance and public interest in the matter continues to grow across the country in the coming days.
There on #JKL, Kennedy Kaunda, alias “With all due respect,” was almost saying CS Opiyo Wandayi is a spanner boy, and that is why he chose to address Davis Chirchir head-on. pic.twitter.com/ztufGPe6Z0
— Henix Obuchunju (@Obuchunju) May 20, 2026