The government has ordered youth and persons who idle around various bus parks and matatu terminuses harassing travelers to leave the premises on or before Monday next week or face forceful eviction.
Also put on notice are private vehicles which have entered the Public Service Vehicle business when they are not complaint with the National Transport Safety Authority (NTSA).
The Interior and Coordination Principal Secretary, Karanja Kibicho said the government will deal ruthlessly with anyone found within the specified areas of operations for matatus without any lawful reason to be there.
“Come Monday next week, we will carry out a thorough cleanup of our bus parks and terminus to rid the premises of any individuals or organised groups which keep harassing and terrorizing travelers,” Kibicho warned.
Kibicho said already there are indicators that such idlers who have infiltrated the matatu sector were up to no good and their presence was posing insecurity not only to the transport industry but to the general public.
Speaking to the Media on Thursday at Wang’uru market in Mwea East Sub-County after witnessing the opening of the KCSE examination papers, the official also sounded a similar warning to the members of the outlawed Mungiki sect adherents.
“We have intelligence reports which have confirmed the members of the illegal sect have also made a comeback and have started collecting money from matatu operators within various routes and terminuses but they should also look for other things to do as their fate is already sealed, ”a tough talking Karanja said.
Accompanied by a team of high raking government agents led by the Central Regional Commissioner, Wilson Njega, Karanja said the public transport sector must reclaim its lost glory which the late Cabinet Minister, John Michuki had installed.
The official further told those who have entered the lucrative matatu business without being compliant to the NTSA requirements to keep off the roads or face drastic action.
By Irungu Mwangi
