By Mary Kamande

Matatu operators protesting the entry of new players on Monday morning paralysed transport operations in Thika town.

The rowdy operators also paralysed operations at the Municipal Council of Thika and the local DC’s office protesting the entry of a new operator.

Chania Travellers Sacco chairman Michael Kariuki said the Kenya Mpya buses had entered into the market without following the laid down rules.

“They have been operating without licence from the Transport Licensing Board and we won’t let it happen,” said Kariuki.

He added that the municipal council had allowed the buses into Thika town but they (operators based in Thika) had been barred from extending their services to Nyeri, Nanyuki, Karatina, Embu and Kirinyaga.

blocked terminus

Mr Kariuki and other matatu officials led the matatu owners and their crews in withdrawing over 3,000 vehicles from the roads, blocked the main terminus with their vehicles and drove others to the council offices.

They were, however, prevented them from gaining entry into the offices.

Area MP William Kabogo was later allowed into the offices and the protestors followed him in but the town clerk was not available.

Thika West DC Jeremiah Gicheru said only two Kenya Mpya buses had been allowed to operate from the town by the TLB but it was the role of the council to police the routes.

stalemate

He also said no one would be barred from operating in the locality as long as they adhered to the law. But the operators vowed to oppose the new operator if he resumes business without approval.

“We were never consulted and we should before anyone can be allowed here,” said Kariuki, who is also the Mt Kenya Matatu Owners Association Chairman.

He said the stalemate between them and the council began in May when the new entrant came but the council declined to give them audience.

As a result, the operators have withheld payments to the council for one month. “Per month, we pay Sh2,500 for each of our 3,000 vehicles but we resolved not to pay anything to the council until they address our grievances,” said Kariuki.