The video of the former Upperhill School principal and his driver clashing with Larry Madowo has gone viral and could land them in trouble if authorities decide to crack the whip.

The road rage incident involving CNN International Correspondent Larry Madowo and Kibra MP Peter Orero continues to attract widespread attention after a video capturing the confrontation went viral online.

The footage shared by Madowo online on October 9, 2025, showed the MP’s vehicle being driven on the wrong side of the road, forcing oncoming traffic, including Madowo’s car, to a stop before a brief verbal exchange ensued between the two.

The vehicle carrying the legislator appeared to disregard traffic rules, a move that has since drawn public criticism and could expose the driver to several offences under Kenyan law.

Danger to the public

Under Section 47 of the Traffic Act (Cap 403), the driver could be charged with reckless and dangerous driving, which covers any act of driving “in a manner that is dangerous to the public.”

The offence attracts a fine not exceeding Ksh100,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both.

The law further provides that repeat offenders may have their driving licences suspended or cancelled.

“Any person who on any road or in any public place drives any vehicle, other than a motor vehicle, recklessly or at a speed or in a manner which is dangerous to the public, having regard to all the circumstances of the case, including the nature, condition and use of the road and the amount of traffic which is actually at the time or which might reasonably be expected to be on the road, shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding one hundred thousand shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to both,” the Kenya Law stipulates.

Careless driving

The driver may also be charged with careless driving, contrary to Section 87 of the Traffic Act, which makes it an offence to drive “without due care and attention or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road.”

Conviction under this section carries a fine of up to Ksh100,000 or imprisonment for up to one year.

“Any person who on any road or in any public place drives a vehicle, other than a motor vehicle, without due care or attention, or in such a manner as to be an annoyance to the public, shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding one hundred thousand shillings,” the Kenya law indicates.

Traffic obstruction

The act of using the wrong lane could also amount to obstruction of traffic, prohibited under Section 53 of the Traffic Act.

The section states that no person shall cause unnecessary obstruction of the road or inconvenience to other motorists. A conviction attracts a fine not exceeding Ksh10,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months.

“Any person who, without lawful authority, causes any unnecessary obstruction of any road or public place shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding ten thousand shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months,” the law states.

Disobeying traffic signs

Section 38 of the Traffic Act (Cap 403) requires all drivers to obey traffic signs, signals, and directions from police officers or other authorised personnel. Ignoring these instructions is an offence punishable by fines, imprisonment, or both.

Driving on the wrong side of the road, as seen in the viral video involving Kibra MP Peter Orero’s driver, can be considered a violation of this provision.

“Any person who, without lawful authority, disobeys any traffic sign or signal or any direction given by a police officer or other authorised person shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding ten thousand shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months,” the law indicates.

Abusive language

The verbal altercation that followed may also fall under Section 94 of the Penal Code (Cap 63), which addresses offensive conduct in a public place.

The law makes it an offence to use abusive or insulting language in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace. Those found guilty may face a fine not exceeding Ksh5,000 or imprisonment for up to six months.

“Any person who, in any public place, uses threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, or disorderly behaviour, with intent to provoke a breach of the peace, or whereby a breach of the peace is likely to be occasioned, shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding five thousand shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months,” the Kenya Law stipulates.

While the comments made in the video where the MP was heard instructing Madowo to “take the video to President Ruto” may not directly constitute a criminal offence, they could still be considered disrespectful to the office of the President.