Council askaris on the spot over bribe claims

Twenty City Council askaris (security officers) who were found demanding bribes from matatu operators will face disciplinary action.

Nairobi Mayor Geoffrey Majiwa, who paraded the 20 askaris during a press conference held in his parlour, said he had received complaints from matatu operators over the issue.

The mayor, who was accompanied by Town Clerk Philip Kisia, said: “I would also like to warn matatu operators and members of the public to desist from engaging in bribery since action will be taken against those engaging in the vice,”.

The warning comes barely a day after matatu operators held a meeting in which they accused the police and council askaris of harassing them.

Bribery and extortion, they said, went on unabated as vehicles continued being impounded for minor traffic offences, the participants at the meeting called by Mr Majiwa said.

Self-regulation

During the meeting, they lamented that vehicles belonging to top civil servants and police officers still enjoy preferential treatment.

The Matatu Owners Association said self-regulation of matatu termini with the council would be key to reducing chaos and graft.