Matatu drivers, conductors issue strike notice

By Mwangi Muiruri

The Matatu Drivers and Conductors Welfare Association (MDCWA) has issued a strike notice for April 7.

This, it says, will take place if traffic police officers and the ministry of transport will not have called them for an interactive meeting aimed at airing their grievances.

"We have issues with the ministry and Traffic commandant. They have to assure us they will stop victimisation for offences that should be shouldered by matatu owners," says MDCWA Chairman Samuel Wainaina.

However, the ministry’s communications officer Douglas Kaunda said many such meetings held before bear no fruit.

"The latest was presided by Minister Chirau Ali Mwakwere involving matatu owners, regulators and traffic department. It was decided that crackdowns would be suspended to give room for self governance. They failed," he accuses.

The arrangement was that, all owners withdraw faulty matatus from the road on their own volition and strive to adhere to laid down rules and regulations for the vehicle and the crew.

Wainaina says the mechanical condition of the vehicle and display of insurance stickers should be handled by owners and not crew.

Arrest owners

"Once confiscated for contravening those provisions, they should not arrest the crew since it is tantamount to punishing us on behalf of the owners," argues Wainaina.

But the Transport Licensing Board Chairman Wilfred ole Legei says the crew are equally guilty if nabbed operating in a non-compliant vehicle.

"All are bound by the law. Driving an unroadworthy vehicle constitutes a traffic offence. They must adhere to the rule of law," he cautions.

Wainaina says the traffic department has been blinded by the love for bribes. Instead of sticking to the law, they bend it to press for bribes from the crew.

"We are paying taxes to Government. A certificate of good conduct, a badge, renewal of licences and PSV certificate are all attached to taxation. Why should we have traffic police officers impose additional taxes in form of bribes?" he poses.

Police spokesman Eric Kiraithe responds that "this corruption song has become monotonous hence unwelcome."

"This chorus will do no one any good. Report those officers, record statements and agree to be our witnesses. We will prosecute any of our officers implicated," he says.

Kiraithe says corruption is a vice that ought to be fought practically by all citizens and not through generalised public utterances from ‘equally guilty partners.’