New public transport rules null and void, Court rules
Buses and matatus at Kisumu bus terminus after they removed their carriers to comply with the new transport rules on March 18, 2014. Photo/JACOB OWITI
Matatau operators have scored a major victory after the High Court declared the recently published regulations on public transport as null and void.
The new rules required removal of carriers from public service vehicles among other requirements. (READ: Tough matatu rules come into force)
A judge however criticised the move by Transport Cabinet Secretary Michael Kamau to publish the new regulations while there were still matters pending in court.
Justice George Odunga also summoned the CS to appear in court on May 14 and show cause as to why he should not meet the cost of litigation (personally).
CONTEMPT OF COURT
However, Justice Odunga declared that the government rushed to introduce new requirements yet operators had launched counter petitions in court.
According to the judge, this was contempt of court procedure, an affront to the constitution and total disregard for the rule of law.
He said the government hoodwinked Kenyans by sneaking in new regulations that would only compound costs to be shouldered by the general public and the matatu operators who are collectively reeling under a warping economy.
