JALANG’O VOWS TO PERSONALLY FUND APPEAL AGAINST HIGH COURT RULING ON MATATU GRAFFITI BAN

Lang’ata Mp Jalang’o, has announced that he will personally cover all legal fees as matatu operators appeal a High Court ruling that upheld the National Transport and Safety Authority’s (NTSA) directive requiring the removal of graffiti, artistic designs, and tinted windows from Public Service Vehicles (PSVs).

The declaration comes after a major setback for champions of Kenya’s iconic Nganya culture. On Wednesday, Justice Bahati Mwamuye dismissed a petition challenging the NTSA enforcement notice issued in May last year, ruling that the directive is constitutional, lawful, and grounded in legitimate public safety concerns.

In his judgment, Justice Mwamuye stated, “The petitioner has failed to establish any violation of his constitutional rights or the rights of the class he purports to represent.” The court held that the limitations on artistic expression are reasonable and justifiable under Article 24 of the constitution, which allows for the restriction of rights in the interest of public safety.  The judge further described the NTSA notice as “a lawful administrative reminder of existing legal obligations.”

The petition, filed by Michael Makubo, had argued that the directive was unconstitutional, discriminatory, and threatened the widely recognised Nganya culture an urban art form defined by elaborate graffiti, customised lighting, tinted windows, and enhanced sound systems. However, the court found no merit in the claims, ruling that the regulations were lawfully enacted following public participation and parliamentary scrutiny.

Jalang’o has stepped forward to lead the next phase of the fight, pledging full financial backing for the appeal process. “Nganya culture is here to stay. We’re heading back to court, and I will personally cover all legal fees as we appeal the ruling,” Jalang’o declared. “This is an industry that drives Nairobi. People travel from all over just to experience matatu culture the art, the music, the energy.”