Manyoka: Details of viral matatu stunt sparking uproar
The term “Manyoka”, also known as “nyoka-nyoka”, has once again come under public scrutiny following growing concerns about dangerous driving among some Nairobi matatus.
The stunt is commonly associated with Nganya matatus and involves a driver deliberately swerving the vehicle from side to side in a zigzag pattern while moving on the road.
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The name comes from the Swahili word “nyoka”, which means snake. The movement of the matatu resembles the way a snake slithers, leading to the nickname. Over the years, the stunt has become popular in some sections of Nairobi’s matatu culture despite repeated warnings about its dangers.
Manyoka is widely viewed as a reckless driving practice because it puts passengers, pedestrians and other road users at risk. The sudden swerving can make it difficult for drivers to maintain full control of the vehicle, especially in heavy traffic or at high speeds.
While some matatu crews have used the stunt as a way of attracting attention, road safety advocates have consistently raised concerns about the risks involved. The practice has also attracted criticism following several accidents linked to reckless driving.
How the stunt works
During a Manyoka manoeuvre, a driver intentionally moves the matatu from one side of the road to the other in quick succession. The vehicle appears to weave through the road in a snake-like motion, often while music is playing and passengers are on board.
The stunt can be dangerous because repeated swerving increases the chances of losing control. It can also affect the ability of other motorists to predict the matatu’s movements, creating a safety hazard on the road.
The debate around Manyoka has intensified following a fatal accident along Enterprise Road that claimed several lives. The crash occurred at around 8:00 p.m. on June 3, 2026, near the Dar es Salaam Roundabout in Nairobi’s Industrial Area.
According to reports, the matatu was travelling from the DT Dobie direction towards General Motors when a motorcycle emerged from Dakar Road and failed to give way. Police said the driver swerved in an attempt to avoid a collision.
