Nairobi Matatu operators have come out to reject the recent reduction of diesel prices in the country by the government. Nelson Mwangi addresses a past meeting. Photo: Super Metro. Source: Facebook Led by the Chairman Nelson Mwangi of Mass Mobility Operator Association, which has a membership of more than 30 Saccos, they have outrightly opposed the government’s recent KSh 0.11 per litre reduction on diesel. READ ALSO Kitale business community loses over KSh 1 billion due to rising insecurity: “Forced to close early” The Matatu leaders have also termed it as the so-called relief is meaningless when every past increment has been as high as KSh 6 or more per litre.
“We reject this move by the government as retrogressive and has nothing to do with common mwananchi, this move is going to affect us negatively in the industry,” Mwangi stated. Mwangi also said that the move is a mockery to Kenyans who are already struggling to survive and put food on the table. What are Nairobi Matatu operators’ demands? The industry players have also said that Diesel, as the driver of the transport industry, directly pushes up the prices of food, goods and essential services, thus making the life of Kenyans completely unbearable.
“For months now, we have been unable to increase fares because our passengers are already crushed by the high cost of living,” Mwangi added. Nelson Mwangi accused the government of being out of touch with the problems of the common mwananchi. Photo: Super Metro.” Source: Facebook The operators have now demanded the immediate introduction of a fuel subsidy to ease the burden on both the Matatu industry and millions of Kenyans who depend on affordable transport. They have further said that anything less is a betrayal of the people and proof that the government is out of touch with reality on the ground.
By Didacus Malowa
