Meru taxi drivers protest alleged harassment by police
Police officers clear the Meru-Makuatno road that had been barricaded using burning tyres by taxi operators on January 28, 2015. The irate motorists were protesting alleged harassment by traffic officers. PHOTO | KENNEDY KIMANTHI | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- The more than 200 taxi drivers also accused the county government of asking them to cease operations in the central business district.
- The irate motorists lit bonfires and blocked a section of the road demanding action from the area traffic commander Rajab Munga.
- Mr Mutuma threatened that they would continue with the protests until the errant police officers left the Meru station.
- Municipality Ward representative Kiome Rimbere who addressed the protesters said he would engage the police and the county government.
Business in Makutano, Meru County was temporarily brought to a standstill after taxi operators staged a demonstration to protest alleged harassment by traffic police o0fficers.
The more than 200 taxi drivers also accused the county government of asking them to cease operations in the central business district without offering them alternative stage.
The irate motorists lit bonfires and blocked a section of the road demanding action from the area traffic commander Rajab Munga and North Imenti police boss Sammy Kosgey.
Anti-riot police officers were forced to shoot in the air after some of the protestors hurled stones at them.
One of the operators, Mr Franklin Mutuma claimed some of the officers were demanding bribes of up to Sh5,000.
Mr Mutuma threatened that they would continue with the protests until the errant police officers left the Meru station.
POLICE GRAB MONEY
“Some of them have the audacity to enter our vehicles and grab money despite a government order barring the same.
"We want all the corrupt officers sent home immediately,” Mr Mutuma said.
Another taxi owner, Mr David Nkanata claimed the harassment was rampant and they were also up in arms against arbitrary arrests by the police.
Some of their colleagues who did not cooperate with the officers, Mr Nkanata said, were being charged with imaginary traffic offences.
“The relevant authorities should handle this matter with the sobriety it deserves before things get out of hand,” he said.
Municipality Ward representative Kiome Rimbere who addressed the protesters said he would engage with the police and the county government officials to ensure that traffic police officers are courteous and professional in their dealings with motorists.
Mr Rimbere appealed to the motorists to resume work and call off the demonstrations until the matter was amicably resolved.
“I will talk with the authorities and ensure that our officers implement the national and county government’s policy of zero-tolerance to corruption,” Mr Rimbere said.
