‘Boda boda’ field day as Kisumu touts, police battle

by Winsley Masese

Anti-riot police in Kisumu engaged matatu operators in running battles for the second day.

Police on Wednesday lobbed tear gas canisters to disperse the touts, who were fighting over control of matatu routes and termini.

At the centre of the battles that have left shops burnt, scores of people injured and transport paralysed are cartels, where a group levies illegal taxes on matatu operators.

Rival members of cartels fought after they differed over who should control the bus park in Kondele and the main terminus.

Residents were forced to trek long distances to work, with ‘boda boda’ operators doing brisk business.

Bus park

The differences arose after a group at Kondele accused another at the Kisumu Bus Park of sabotage.

Acting OCPD Nicholas Musilu warned they would not allow a state of lawlessness.

"This is a conflict triggered by matatu operators allied to two groups," he said.

Public service vehicles from town associated to one group were not allowed past Kibuye market while those from Mamboleo, Manyatta and Car Wash allied to another group were not allowed beyond Kibuye on their way to town.

The group had gathered at Kondele Road with some trying to erect roadblocks.

The incident degenerated from the Tuesday one where certificates of matatu associations were confiscated. The incident was solved amicably after the certificates were returned.

An official with one of the associations said the law enforcers were acting beyond their mandate since the Government issued the certificates.

A senior traffic officer, however, said the groups had transformed into a cartel and were infringing on the rights, of matatu owners.

 

 

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