High Court orders matatus removed from the city centre

The ruling was issued after a section of traders operating in the CBD moved to court under a certificate of urgency seeking to overturn the decision. [Kipsang Joseph, Standard]

The High Court in Nakuru has ordered all public service vehicles to be removed from the Nakuru city Central Business District (CBD).

Justice Hillary Chemitei revoked a directive by Governor Susan Kihika that had allowed matatus back in the CBD.

Kihika had on December 6 allowed matatu operators to operate within the CBD, every matatu Sacco was to allow two matatus to pick up and drop off passengers in the city centre.

However, on Thursday evening, Justice Chemitei temporarily revoked Kihika's directive until a case challenging her directive is heard and determined.

"An interim order is issued suspending a declaration made by the governor on December 6 notifying the matatus to return to the CBD until the case is determined," ruled Chemitei.

The ruling was issued after a section of traders operating in the CBD moved to court under a certificate of urgency seeking to overturn the decision.

In their petition through lawyer Kemboi Sirma, Isaac Wambugu, Samuel Mwangi, Jackson Mwangi, Doreen Mahungu, John Muriuki and Peter Kagai claimed the decision by the governor was made without proper public participation. The petition will be heard on February 14, 2023.