It was long since I borded a vehicle from Machakos country bus in Nairobi and I did not expect to do so any time soon because I always knew what goes on at the terminus. However I decided to take a chance hoping that things might have probably changed and also because i was financially strained. I therefore set my journey to Eldoret at around 11 am. However just before I reached the bus terminal, I exchanged bitter words with young and old men on the way who purported to be passangers aids.
These "aids" forcefully escort everyone they see carrying a luggage and heading towards country bus up to the main stage. On reaching the bus terminus, they demand any amount of money they want ranging from 100 to 200.
Although I did not allow them to carry my small bag, they kept on harassing and threatening me that whether I gave them the bag or not I would still pay them. I was so shocked because despite the presence of the police, these people do not mind neither do the police. But since I have lived in Nairobi for some time and have seen these incidences before, I managed to rescue myself from the hands of these con men.
However, the question that still baffles me is how new people from the country side survive in this place? Does the government even care as to what people go through in such places? It is high time something is done to protect innocent passangers who use the Machakos country bus terminal.
Many people are robbed and conned in broad daylight. Some are forced to board vehicles they do not even prefer. I know majority of people have undergone similar problems in this place but the question remains, who will come to the aid of hundreds of passangers who board vehicles from Machakos country bus every day?
