Kenya: Senator criticizes journalist over Kigali road safety praise

A debate has erupted in Kenya after Citizen TV journalist Immanuel Ndungu shared a video from Kigali showing motorists stopping at a zebra crossing to let him pass. Ndungu expressed surprise at how strictly traffic rules were observed in Rwanda, contrasting it with Nairobi where drivers often ignore pedestrian crossings.

In the video, Ndungu remarked: “Zebra crossings actually work. Look at how they slow down and stop for me. In Kenya, this would never happen.” His post quickly went viral, sparking conversations about road safety culture in both countries.

Kenya Senator Karen Nyamu reacted sharply, accusing Ndungu of embarrassing Kenyans with his comparison. She wrote: “Keep shaming us as much as you want.” Her sarcastic response drew mixed reactions online, with some agreeing that Ndungu’s comments highlighted a real issue, while others felt he was unfairly criticizing Kenya.

Ndungu’s video reignited long‑standing debates in Kenya about the lack of respect for traffic laws. Many Kenyans admitted that crossing the road in Nairobi can be dangerous, while others called for stronger enforcement and public awareness campaigns. Some argued that Kenya could learn from Kigali’s example, where drivers stop for pedestrians even without police presence or traffic lights.

The incident highlights the cultural differences in road discipline between Rwanda and Kenya. Kigali has invested heavily in road safety campaigns and enforcement, while Nairobi continues to struggle with reckless driving and weak compliance. Ndungu’s viral video has become a symbol of what many Kenyans believe needs urgent reform.