A confrontation is building between Nairobi matatu operators and the county government over plans to move them from their pickup points in the Central Business District. Lawyers Danstan Omari and Stanley Kinyanjui want court to issue conservatory orders in the Nairob matatu Saccos case. Photo: Danstan Omari. Source: UGC The Saccos now say they may suspend services on Wednesday, November 19, as they head to court for the hearing of their case. The operators, who are fighting the county’s directive that bars passenger pickups and drop offs at petrol stations in the CBD, say they will take their vehicles off the road to allow all their members to attend the session. “The petitioners have for a considerable period, lawfully operated their public service vehicles by picking up and dropping off passengers at Total petrol stations within the Nairobi CBD. These operations have been conducted in compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and licensing requirements, the Saccos said in their petition seen by TUKO.co.ke.
“On or about November 12, the petitioners received formal demands directing the immediate cessation of all operations involving the picking up and dropping off of passengers at the aforesaid Total petrol stations,” the petition added. The case will be heard before High Court Judge Chacha Mwita. Did Nairobi matatus warn of major disruption? Through lawyers Danstan Omari and Stanley Kinyanjui, the Saccos warned city residents to expect major transport disruptions. The lawyers said they intend to write to the Chief Justice Martha Koome asking for the proceedings to be moved to Uhuru Park, because they expect a large turnout of operators, investors and passengers. “Our petition is coming up on Wednesday. Justice Mwita has directed that the matter proceeds on Wednesday. All matatus will put their tools down to come to court. They will not be on duty because their case will be in court,” the lawyers said. They urged public service vehicle users to prepare for possible inconvenience during the court session. The Saccos involved in the case include Kinatwa, Super Premium, Kangema and Muna Sacco among others.
They argue that the county’s move is unfair because petrol stations across the country routinely allow high human traffic from fast food shops, pharmacies, garages and restaurants. They questioned why public transport is being targeted when similar activities take place elsewhere. “Notably, petrol stations across Nairobi, including those in other counties, host a variety of businesses that attract substantial human traffic, such as pharmacies, hotels, fast-food restaurants, and garage services. No similar directives have been issued against these operations, nor have any been extended to matatu operators in other counties,” the petition added. READ ALSO National Police Service Gives Way Forward after Court Greenlights Recruitment Exercise The Saccos also noted that since starting operations at the said locations, there has been no recorded incident that has endangered any member of the public, passengers, or staff associated with them.
By Harry Ivan Mboto
