Matatu strike halted as group engages Govt

By Cyrus Ombati

NAIROBI; KENYA: Matatu Welfare Association has called off the public service vehicle strike after holding talks with Transport PS on possible review of contentious new traffic laws.

MWA chairman Dickson Mbugua told a press conference he had met with transport permanent secretary Cyrus Njiru to plead for amendments of disputed sections and there was a pledge to change the laws.

“We urge all operators to go back to business as we engage the government in talks for review of these laws we deem punitive,” he said.

He said the strike which has turned violent has caused pain and loses on Kenyans.

It is not clear if his call will hold any sway given the association had been opposing the strike form the beginning.

• .

  Keep Reading

• 
  Most victims of the Mlima Kiu accident were members of the same family
• 
  Firm linked to fake fertiliser calls for arrest of Linturi, NCPB boss
• 
  Threats from authorities and steep fines will never end road accidents
• 
  Matatu owners reject return of NTSA officers on roads

Matatu Owners Association chairman Simon Kimutai too urged operators to resume duties and allow talks for a possible review of the laws.

Mbugua addressed journalists as police announced more than 50 touts and drivers had been arrested in police operations in Nairobi as the strike by the operators spread to Naivasha where running battles with the crew went on.

Police say those arrested will be charged with robbery with violence.

In Naivasha, the goons attacked other upcountry matatus in efforts to stop them from ferrying passengers.

Several passengers were injured and robbed before police arrived to disperse the rowdy crowds.

In Kikuyu area along the Naivasha-Nairobi highway, several cars were attacked by the gangs who also robbed the motorists.

More police have been deployed along the routes and are under instructions to use maximum force on anyone who may try to disrupt business.

The strike called by matatu operators to oppose the new traffic rules continued with most vehicles staying off the road for the second day.

Police say there have been reports of goons attacking passengers and vehicles in parts of the city, Naivasha and Nyeri.

Most routes are without matatus and police have been deployed to enhance security on those with the vehicles.

Commuters stayed at various matatu termini up to midnight waiting for means going to their homes on Friday.

Police say they arrested dozens of muggers who attacked pedestrians.

The law comes into effect on tomorrow (Saturday). 

The law requires and drivers of PSVs to undergo physical and health fitness examination after every three years respectively.

The Traffic (Amendment) Act criminalises drunk driving as it proposes a stiffer penalty for those found guilty of the offence and anyone convicted of the offence will be fined Sh500,000, a 10-year jail term or both.