Nairobians should prepare to walk to work for even more days after the Court declined to suspend Governor Mike Sonko’s ban on Public Service Vehicles in the Central Business District (CBD)
The Court has however directed Matatu Saccos to serve county government of Nairobi, National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and police with suit papers for hearing on December 6.
The suit had been filed by the Saccos seeking a suspension on the ban, which took effect today.
The Pressure on Governor Sonko’s side seem to be getting too much that the governor even had to apologize to the people of Nairobi. While offering an apology, Sonko asked for support saying the situation will improve. He is however yet to lift the ban meaning the ban stays.
A number of leaders like Moses Kuria, Johnson Sakaja and Babu Owino have accused Sonko of making rash decisions without first putting in place the right procedures and resources to have his directive effected without vastly affecting many Kenyans who depend on public transport to get to work.
Sakaja cited lack of public participation and availability of viable alternatives in bid to block Mr Sonko’s ban.
“The move by Governor Mike Sonko to ban matatus from the CBD is premature, and unfair to ordinary citizens. You don’t ban matatus before providing alternatives for commuters,” said Sakaja on Monday morning.
Sonko has however remained adamant and maintained that the ban will not be lifted. He has however assured residents that things will be streamlined, however bumpy they might be now.
“Over the months we have been going to Kigali, Dubai, New York to benchmark, why are we wasting tax payers’ money if we are not implementing all these issues, we are going to learn there. I know people are suffering and I request for patience from commuters. We are going to work on an amicable permanent solution to address this issue,” he said.
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