Matatus to paralyse transport come Monday, says cotu boss
Kenyans planning to link up with their families for the festive season could have their travel plans disrupted by a nationwide strike called by public service vehicle operators.
The strike is set to begin Monday next week to protest the high cost of living and demand a reduction in oil prices by at least 30 per cent.
The strike has been called by the Matatu Welfare Association, Matatu Drivers and Conductors Association, Kenya Long Distance Truck Drivers Union and the Juakali Association of Kenya demanding that fuel prices come down.
The strike has the backing of Central Organisation of Trade Unions which has promised to mobilise its members to put pressure on the government to lower fuel prices.
Addressing officials of the four affiliate unions in Nairobi on Thursday, Cotu secretary-general Francis Atwoli warned public service vehicle operators who will not join the strike of dire consequences.
“Kenyans are suffering and many factories are closing down because of galloping oil prices,” he said, adding that certain unnamed politicians in the government have conspired with cartels in the energy sector to fleece Kenyans.
Mr Atwoli’s warning came as Matatu Owners Association distanced itself from the intended strike.
Mr Atwoli said the government has until Sunday to intervene and save the situation.
“When the clock ticks midnight on Sunday all matatu operators will begin a nationwide strike,” he said.
The strike has been opposed by matatu associations in central and Mombasa branches. But Mr Atwoli urged the central branch to understand that they were not fighting President Kibaki.
According to Mr Atwoli, lowly-placed workers in factories can no longer afford bus fares and kerosene which is the most common source of energy at homes.
“Poverty anywhere constitutes danger everywhere,” said Mr Atwoli.
The Cotu boss threatened to mobilise youths to burn down factories that will victimise union officials who will join in the strike. Others will man roads to effect the strike.
ERC on Wednesday announced the reduction of pump prices by between Sh3 and Sh5 a litre following a drop in international crude oil prices.
The commission directed that pump prices for super petrol in Nairobi fall by Sh5.07 a litre to 119.06, diesel by Sh3.33 a litre to 110.97 and that of kerosene by Sh4.13 a litre to 87.92.
