Matatu operators in Kiambu held peaceful demonstrations in Githurai. This is on what they termed as harassment from their Tuktuk counterparts. The matatu operators claimed that they are being forced to hike fare in various routes.
According to the Tuktuk Operators, the unfair competition that has been brought by equal prices in minor routes in Kiambu is hurting their operation. This has forced them to request the matatus to increase fare to minimise the competition.
The matatu touts claimed that they are being harassed and their vehicles damaged because of their decline to comply. This as they claim is happening in Kahawa route mostly and are calling police to intervene.
According to Wycliffe Ochieng’, he has faced the tune first hand where he has been attacked and harassed by people well known to them. He claims the people are even holding rungus along the road.
Another operator, Monica Wanjiku claims that the perpetrators are going as far as tearing their clothes and went ahead to show a sample of torn clothe that belongs to one of them.
Tuktuk Operators now want matatu operators to hike fare to minimise competition for normalcy to resume. This they said is hurting their business as fuel prices are high and economy is tough on them.
Most people will prefer matatu to Tuktuk due to similarities in prices and with the matatus hiking their price, competition will be fair. Everyone will have their way.
Check this out:
- “Eat With Us Then”, Gachagua Tells Coffee Cartels
- Woman Who Killed Her Son To Travel To UAE Sentenced