Matatu Owners Association chairman Simon Kimutai has called
for the arrest and prosecution of conductors who are filling up matatus despite
an order barring them from doing so.
Due to Coronavirus, Health CS Mutahi Kagwe and Transport CS James
Macharia announced a number of changes in the transport sector and PSVs were
ordered to limit the number of passengers.
After a local media station showed a matatu plying the Ngumo
route full of passengers, Kimutai said this was very irresponsible and legal action
should be taken against all parties involved.
“I am surprised that passengers who know there should be
social distancing are subjecting themselves to a full matatu.
“The passengers, conductor & driver should be prosecuted
for going against given directives,” he said,
Adding: “We have preached to matatu operators more than
preachers in church. We have given them enough information. Conductors who fill
up matatus should be suspended and not allowed to work in public transport.”
A spot-check in the CBD revealed that most passengers and
matatu operators were not following the guidelines issued and handwashing was
not adhered to at many of the bus stops.
Some conductors said at times they have to carry maximum
capacity due to the high targets set by the matatu owners.
“It is not our wish to endanger lives. The problem is some
of the targets we are given are almost unattainable.
“Owners should even take Sh2000 per day since that is what
the matatu managed to bring that day,” said a conductor in the CBD.
Kimutai agreed with these sentiments saying such demands are
not realistic.
“Owners of matatus are not giving targets at this time as that demand is not realistic. The matatu business is currently low; social distancing, stay at home order & curfew has worsened the industry,” he said.