Matatu operators threaten to strike

By MARY KAMANDE

Matatu operators in Mt Kenya region have given a four-day strike notice to protest over alleged police harassment.

The operators also threatened to switch their political allegiance to a camp, which would cater for their interests saying Central leaders had reportedly abandoned them.

In a meeting held in Thika, Mt Kenya Matatu Owners Association members resolved to remove their vehicles from the roads next Tuesday if Thika’s traffic base commander is not transferred and the harassment stopped.

"Some officers are an impediment to compliance," said Kariuki.

Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta launched the association in March.

Speaking on behalf of the operators, the association’s chairman Michael Kariuki said despite adhering to traffic rules, police were using courts to harass them, claiming that the base commander was also rude.

He said despite paying court fines, their operations were being frustrated.

"Once a driver is released by court, the police later withhold a vehicle and arrest its owner, who is then charged with a similar offence as his driver.

"Why can’t they take both the vehicle owner and the driver to court to be charged together?" he posed.

Met standards

Thika OCPD Mr Paul Leting promised to look into their grievances. He, however, told them to ensure that they met the standards set by the Transport Licensing Board.

Kigumo MP Jamleck Kamau, who stumbled upon the operators at a hotel where they were meeting, promised to look into the matter.

If the operators make good their threat, commuters in Central Kenya region and parts of Rift Valley Province will be affected. Mt Kenya region has about 60,000 matatus.