Athi River police arrested a man on Wednesday morning for allowing his nine-year-old son to operate a motor vehicle along Mombasa Road in Machakos County.

According to the police report, vigilant traffic police officers noticed the minor driving the hatchback Toyota Passo car while donning his full school uniform and flagged him down.


However, the young boy did not comply. Instead, he sped away toward Athi River.

The Athi River Base Commander Agnes Makau confirmed the incident and said police officers gave the vehicle a chase and caught up with it just as it was about to enter a private school’s compound in Athi River where it was confirmed the minor and his sibling go to.

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His father sat in the co-driver's seat while his seven-year-old sister sat in the back seat of the vehicle.

"Our officers managed to corner the boy, who was driving at high speed, before he went past the school gate. He was driving dangerously and he had not fastened the safety belt," Makau said.

The minor’s father identified as Walter Musyimi, a local contractor, was immediately arrested and taken to Athi River Police Station together with his children who were later on taken to school by police.


Upon interrogation, the Musyimi revealed his son enjoys driving at high speed and said he was the one who taught his son how to drive.

He also said the vehicle his son was driving on Monday was hired from his friend for purposes of running errands.

The 40-year-old man acknowledged the dangers of allowing unauthorised minors to drive.

"I taught him how to drive. I had hired a car from a friend to run some errands today. I know it's dangerous but it happened," Musyimi said.

The Athi River Police Boss Mary Njoki warned parents against letting their minor children operate motor vehicles because apart from violating traffic laws, it also puts other motorists in danger.


Njoki said the authorities will not tolerate such parents who act in utter disregard for the law.

"We will not tolerate parents acting in utter disregard of the law. The incident was barbaric and dangerous to other road users. Let parents know they will be held responsible in case their children are caught driving," Njoki said.

Musyimi was set to be arraigned in a Mavoko Court on Thursday.