Matatu operators down their tools over return of mungiki extortionists

By CYRUS OMBATI

Kiambu, Kenya: Undercover cops are to be deployed on the Banana-Ruaka-Nairobi routes to address the return of Mungiki gang extortionists who are terrorising matatu operators.

The revelations were made by the Kiambu security committee in a meeting with striking matatu operators in the area. The operators went on strike on Monday to protest what they call the return of Mungiki extortionists on the roads.

They said pockets of the youths from the outlawed group have been demanding between Sh200 and Sh400 to allow them drop and pick passengers from various termini on the routes.

Police say they are investigating the claims and that undercover agents have been deployed to hunt down the suspects.

Kiambu OCPD Stephen Ngetich said they had met with a section of the operators on Monday and discussed ways of addressing the menace.

“We have agreed there will be police officers on the routes to ensure the suspects do not operate there. Mungiki is a criminal gang under Kenyan laws,” said Ngetich.

The strike forced several commuters to walk to their destinations. It caught many unawares as the operators parked their vehicles at various petrol stations and termini to protest the increased incidents of extortion.