In Summary:
- The Matatu Crew Welfare Association claims bias in enforcing justice within the matatu industry.
- Two matatus, reportedly owned by a senior official’s son, are accused of repeatedly breaking traffic laws with no repercussions.
The Matatu Crew Welfare Association has raised concerns about perceived bias in the enforcement of regulations within the matatu industry, according to a report by Citizen TV.
The association highlights that two matatus on the Ngong-Nairobi route are notorious for flouting traffic laws, often in plain view of traffic police.
These matatus are said to be owned by the son of a high-ranking government official, leading to claims that police officers are reluctant to take action against them for fear of losing their jobs or being transferred.
“Kuna magari watu wanasema ni za serikali, gari haina at jina ya Sacco…gari inakuja hapa inareverse kwa roundabout, askari wanaangalia tu,” said WIlfred Bosire, the association chairman.
Loosely translated: “There are vehicles that people claim belong to the government, without any Sacco name, reversing at roundabouts while police look on,” said Wilfred Bosire, the association chairman.
Despite raising these issues with the traffic police, the association says the police are too intimidated to address the situation. The vehicles reportedly lack Public Service Vehicle (PSV) certification, insurance, and Sacco affiliation.
Jasper, an investor in the matatu sector, urged journalists to investigate these vehicles for compliance with traffic regulations and the NTSA Act.
An initial investigation revealed that these matatus are not listed on the official NTSA portal, lack Road Service Licenses (RSL), and have not been inspected. Citizen TV also confirmed that these vehicles are not part of any Sacco.
At the Railways stage, where vehicles typically queue for hours to pick up passengers, these matatus bypass the line, causing traffic obstructions while police officers stand by.
Citizen TV captured footage of one of the matatus dropping off passengers and reversing in front of police officers to pick up more passengers ahead of other waiting vehicles.
Authorities are reportedly aware of these violations but claim to have been threatened into inaction.
“Askari wa trafiki, hata Regional Commander, hawaeziongelea hizo magari, hii ni nchi gani tunaishi? People are scared, they can’t speak, but some of us must speak whether we’re going to be abducted or not. We want fairness in doing business,” Jasper added.
Citizen TV’s investigation confirmed that the vehicles are owned by the son of a prominent politician, whose identity remains undisclosed for security reasons.
“His son cannot violate the Constitution he’s supposed to protect,” stated Jasper.
Wilfred added, “You can’t claim a vehicle is government property if it’s not doing government work. Let us operate our PSV business fairly.”
In response to the ongoing situation, matatu crew operators plan to demonstrate on Wednesday, August 7th, if no action is taken.
They stress that they do not oppose anyone doing business, but insist that everyone must adhere to the law.
“We will demonstrate in Nairobi and block all the roads because we can’t tolerate impunity,” Jasper declared.
The NTSA mandates several requirements for matatu operators, including valid inspection certificates, insurance cover, and road service licenses.