No end in sight to Nakuru matatu crisis as parties stay put
A woman walks past Police officers reopening a road barricaded by protesting matatu operators in Nakuru town on May 1, 2020.
What you need to know:
- Whereas Governor Lee Kinyanjui has ruled out chances of rescinding his decision to lock the matatus out of the Central Business District (CBD), the operators have vowed not to relent in their push to be allowed back there.
- Led by Central Rift Matatu Owners Association Chairman Steve Muli, they accused Mr Kinyanjui of discrimination, saying they are being kept off the CBD whereas hawkers are allowed to operate from there.
There seems to be no end in sight to the standoff between Nakuru and the matatu operators in the county following the decision to relocate them from the town centre.
Whereas Governor Lee Kinyanjui has ruled out chances of rescinding his decision to lock the matatus out of the Central Business District (CBD), the operators have vowed not to relent in their push to be allowed back there.
On Monday, the operators staged a five-hour protest that turned violent, criticising the governor for saying cartels and criminal gangs have taken over the matatu sector and block plans aimed at improving services.
Led by Central Rift Matatu Owners Association Chairman Steve Muli, they accused Mr Kinyanjui of discrimination, saying they are being kept off the CBD whereas hawkers are allowed to operate from there.
“We are also voters and business people. We do not understand why the governor calls us criminals when we try to raise our issues. The governor acted unfairly by allowing traders into the town and locking us out.”
Mr Muli maintained that the locations they were moved to are unfavourable for business as proper sanitation is lacking and security is not guaranteed.
“Some of our clients, such as those with disabilities, the sick and pregnant women, are finding the new stages very inconvenient,” he said.
Political interference
Governor Kinyanjui maintains that the move the county has made is the town’s good.
In his statement on Wednesday, Mr Kinyanjui urged stakeholders to support Nakuru’s development plans.
He noted that his administration has elaborate plans to improve the transport sector, including acquisition of more land.
Mr Kinyanjui also accused the operators of allowing politicians and criminals to interfere with the sector, jeopardising efforts to find a solution.
“When we planned a meeting with the operators, those who turned up were politicians and some imposters who wanted to push their political agenda,” he said.
“I wish to ask the operators to stop mixing politics with business because by doing, so the solution is likely to take a political angle.”
