Sh10m raked in from traffic offences

By CYRUS OMBATI

More than Sh10 million has been collected in fines after police began to implement the new traffic laws.

This came as the strike called by matatu operators fizzled out on major routes with police reporting a return to normalcy.

Police said the operations would continue and matatus had no choice but to abide by the new regulations. 

Traffic Commandant Benson Kibui said more than 1,000 motorists were arrested Wednesday as compared to 1,600 on Tuesday.

On Monday, 74 drivers were arrested and Sh1.156 million paid in fines in Nairobi alone while on Friday, the fines stood at Sh237,000.

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The offenders were arrested for obstruction, overlapping, picking up passengers outside the designated areas, riding motorbikes without helmets and reflector jackets, driving without licences and driving vehicles without fire extinguishers.

Kibui said among those arrested and charged was a chief in Kisii.

“That shows we are not only targeting public service vehicles but also private cars. Let everyone respect the law,” said Kibui.

Nyanza head of traffic Jonathan Katsole said the chief was driving a matatu in Sengera area without a licence, the vehicle was overloaded and he was abusive to traffic personnel.

Chairperson Getrude Njau of the Shuttle Owners Association disowned the public service vehicles’ strike saying it was ill advised and urged for sobriety among their members.