Matatu Operators Eat the Humble Pie, Vow to Return to Business

Light seem to have finally shone on the many Kenyans that were this morning in the dark following the countrywide matatu strike. Matatu operators went on strike to protest the ongoing crackdown on public transport vehicles.

Interior CS Fred Matiangi earlier in the day hit out at the operators and even went ahead to encourage them to continue keeping the vehicles off the roads.

“Let us stop these monkey games where everybody thinks they can get their way around. We all must go back to order and we are not relenting on this matter. Those who want to keep away their vehicles at home as long as they please,” said Matiang’i.

The Federation of Public Transport Operators has now decided to call off their countrywide strike.

As if reacting to Matiangi’s directive that licenses of the matatus on strike be withdrawn, the matatu operators called off the nationwide strike and even went ahead to apologize to Kenyans. They promised to comply with the new rules.

The matatu operators were speaking after a meeting with Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho and his Transport counterpart Esther Koimett at Harambee house.

“We are glad to have had this meeting and have listened to what we have discussed. I apologise to our passengers and we will be back on the road,” said the federation spokesperson Edwin Mukabana.

“We request our people who have complied to return their vehicles to the road. We will bring all issues to the government table for negotiations.”

PS Kibicho, on his part, acknowledged the clogging at the vehicle inspection unit and vowed to enhance capacity to ensure the transport sector remains smooth.

“We have also heard of cartels in the sector and are committed in the next couple of days to clean the stages of these cartels,” said Kibicho.

“The federation has also brought to our attention the unfair transportation, such as proboxes, not subjected to these rules. We will enforce the ban against legitimate sector players.”

The Interior PS also lauded the federation for their commitment to abide by the traffic laws, adding that a transport consultative forum will be formed within the next week to look into areas that need review and fresh approach.

Interior CS Fred Matiang’i had earlier declared that the government will not relent in the latest crackdown to streamline the transport sector in the country.

The CS though warned the matatus not in operation that they risked having their licenses revoked.

“The Transport CS has instructed the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to review licenses of those Saccos that are not operating today… When you are licensed you are supposed to do a business not blackmail people.” said Matiangi

Do you support the Association of Matatu Operators Resolve to get back to Work?

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