Once in a while, the matatu sector does something to remind Kenyans of their perpetual hostage to it, or rub in the sad fact that those who cannot afford private cars can do little when it comes to determining how they would get in and out of the capital city.
Kenyans at one point think that some people were born to intentionally make other people’s lives difficult. If you use matatus for transport, you know that better than anybody else.
Judging by their behaviors, these conductors must have attended the same school. Save for a few who are courteous and respectful, the rest are cut from the same clothe; they all seem to have annoying habits that cut across the board.
Here are some of the most common of these irritating habits by matatu touts:
Withholding change – The moment you give these chaps a note exceeding the fare that is the beginning of your trouble.You will keep a track of them all through the journey almost going to an extent of counting passengers in the vehicle to establish whether they are playing games or the balance is actually not enough.
Worst mistake however is if you take a nap and once you arrive , kiherehere yako inakwambia uende zako, and you remember you have forgotten your change with the conductor and you feel like going out looking for it. They will keep dilly dallying with your change and engage you in endless debates. To save yourself from this trouble, always carry some loose coins.
True lies – To ensure passenger ride on their vehicle , matatu touts will announce a lesser price to attract passengers and when the vehicle is halfway full and your inside , the prices hike, you will think they received a call fro Dubai oil smugglers that oil prices have been hiked or they operate the stock market.
And now since you entered the vehicle with a certain price that is lower , if you dare pay with a huge note they will deduct the higher price and tell you whoever told you to board to refund you.If you pay a lesser price , they will shout and since the embarrassment is getting too much , you will either pay or someone volunteer to pay for you , however you will sleep naked and regret that day.
Theft – Be warned, using your phone in some of these matatus isn’t such a great idea after all. Some matatu crew are known to collude with muggers and carjackers.
Penny wise – While they extort their passengers of thousands cash in un-returned change, think again if you thought they will waiver the fare when you accidentally forgot your wallet at home or at the office. You are doomed if a fellow passenger doesn’t come to your rescue!
Rudeness – Have you ever entered a matatu only to realize you left something and you need to alight? My friend this is the where all the decisions now have to be made, you either decide to say someone just called you or take the daring moment to wax your ears. This is because touts cannot forgive you for alighting. The insults hurled at you will make you regret why your parents never worked hard to buy a car.