Matatu welfare boss faces unruly side of operators, calls off strike
What you need to know:
- The short-lived strike was called after the matatu owners and Starehe Sub-County Administrator Peter Ogolla failed to reach an agreement over the release of over 10 impounded vehicles.
- This follows a directive by Governor Evans Kidero to cancel parking licences for public service vehicles after city traders threatened to withhold tax payment as they complained matatus were spoiling their business by blocking their premises.
Matatu operators on Thursday called off a planned strike after their vehicles that had been impounded by Nairobi County officials were released.
Drama ensued when some operators briefly roughed up Matatu Welfare Association (MWA) boss Dickson Mbugua for calling off the strike without "consulting" them.
This follows a directive by Governor Evans Kidero to cancel parking licences for public service vehicles after city traders threatened to withhold tax payment as they complained matatus were hurting their business by blocking their premises.
But in his defence, Mr Mbugua said the strike was called off after Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery and his Transport counterpart James Macharia intervened on Wednesday.
“Kidero does not respect the matatu sector. There is no conducive environment for operation. We came to get our vehicles after our agreement with the Cabinet secretaries, but they are still impounding more so from here, we are going for a strike starting now,” he said.
Shortly thereafter, however, this call for a strike was again cancelled.
The short-lived strike was called after the matatu owners and Starehe Sub-County Administrator Peter Ogolla failed to reach an agreement over the release of over 10 impounded vehicles.
“We are committed in ensuring that we engage them and reach a better solution and also ensure that there is order in the CBD and that vehicles don’t just park anywhere. All of them know where they are supposed to operate from and we will ensure that they go back there,” Mr Ogolla said.
Mr Mbugua opted for dialogue with county officials over the stalemate.
Dr Kidero, however, maintained that his directive on licences still stands despite protests by the matatu operators, who said they had not been given an alternative.
A meeting between the operators and county officials is scheduled for Friday, with both sides optimistic about favourable solutions.
However, the administrator said the county order stands until an amicable solution is found.
