The Matatu Crew Welfare Association has expressed strong concerns about alleged discrimination in the administration of justice within the business.
The association claims that some flashy matatus operating on the Ngong-Nairobi route are notorious for flagrantly violating traffic laws in plain view of traffic police officers.
According to the association, these matatus have been observed blocking and harassing other matatu operators. These vehicles reportedly lack Public Service Vehicle (PSV) licenses and insurance and are not registered with any matatu Sacco.
Typically, vehicles at the railway stage have to queue for up to four hours to carry passengers, but these matatus are said to ignore these guidelines. The association claims to have reported these issues to the traffic police multiple times, but there has been no effective response. Police officers are reportedly afraid to arrest them for fear of losing their jobs or being transferred.
The crew operators plan to hold demonstrations on Wednesday, August 7th, if no action is taken. The matatus are allegedly owned by President William Ruto’s son, George Ruto.
“There are vehicles that people say belong to the government; they don’t even have a Sacco name…the vehicle comes here and reverses at the roundabout while the officers just watch,” said Wilfred Bosire, the association chairman.
“Traffic officers, even the Regional Commander, can’t talk about these vehicles. What kind of country are we living in? 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,” said Jasper, an investor in the matatu industry.
