George Ruto’s Mood Matatu Ditches Bucket Seats for Standard Seats in Latest Renovation Upgrade

George Ruto’s matatu, Mood, is getting an interior makeover in which its well-known sports bucket seats are being swapped out for standard passenger seats as the vehicle gets ready to return to the road.

Photos taken at the garage show technicians at work on the two-seater seats. The swap marks a departure from the VIP-style layout that helped the nganya stand out when it was unveiled in July 2025.

Mood drew attention at its launch thanks to its features and its KSh 14 million price tag. Its interior featured sports bucket seats, a live DJ deck, a 65-inch television screen and a Deaf Bonce sound system. Rooftop solar panels were also part of the design.

The customised seating kept the vehicle’s capacity at around 25 or 26 passengers, fewer than the usual 32 seats found in many service vehicles. The latest renovation is expected to raise that number to 33, letting more commuters use the matatu.

The new seats are being built to match Mood’s colours and branding. This means the vehicle could have a conventional layout while keeping the look that made it recognisable among Nairobi’s decorated matatus.

Mood previously ran on routes including Embakasi and Rongai before it was taken off the road for the upgrade. A person familiar with the work said the vehicle was expected back soon and that the changes would let more passengers enjoy the ride.

The renovation comes as George’s 98 Sacco keeps expanding its presence in the matatu business. In September, six new customised vehicles were launched, bringing the reported fleet to 17. The Sacco’s vehicles have attracted attention for their designs, lighting and entertainment systems.

The change in Mood’s seating suggests the team is seeking to balance its luxury identity with the demands of public transport. Instead of serving fewer passengers, the upgraded matatu is expected to carry more people while retaining some of its signature style.

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