Matatu Owners Associaition warn Azimio over maandamano
By Kevin CheruiyotThe Matatu Owners Association (MOA) says it is offended by claims the torching of one of their buses in Nairobi during the anti-government protests was stage-managed.
The association’s National Chairperson Simon Kimutai stressed they are not affiliated with any political side and that the ongoing demonstrations by Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition have hampered their businesses.
Mr Kimutai now says the association is ready to protest its business interests from the protesters.
“One thing that we advise our members now as the business community in public transport provision is that they come out in large numbers to protect the businesses that they are involved in. We’re not going to sit while somebody comes into the middle of your sitting room and defecates there,” Mr Kimutai said.
He alleged their businesses have now become a target following the incident that occurred on May 2, 2023, where a bus affiliated to the Compliant Sacco was torched by protestors along Ng’ong Road.
“I’m not inciting anybody. What I’m saying is just natural to protect yourself against any aggressor before the police come. We are telling them to come again, this time it’s going to be different.”
Mr Kimtai said their sector has been playing a critical role in transporting Kenyans to their destinations despite the situation and that it is unfortunate for protesters to turn on them.
They have put the police on alert not to confuse them with protesters on Thursday when the Azimio will be back on the streets to protest against the government of President William Ruto.
“We are warning them to dare us. We want to tell the government that we will be there, identify us. We will be there to protect our business.”
He said that they will be on standby ready to retaliate if the goons will go for their businesses in any stage or area.
“We will not provoke anybody. We’ll have our boys, when they come and attack, we’ll deal with them. We plan to protect the business.”
Also, the association chairperson rule out the allegation that some matatus were being used to ferry goons from one point to the other to cause chaos.
“You don’t ask the passenger for identification to know where they are going or what they are going to do. We transport robbers, rapists, criminals, and every other kind of person. We don’t know their intentions or purpose apart from transporting them.”
According to the association, the bus with the registration number KBV 362R under Compliant Management which was torched will not be compensated since it was put under third-party cover.
“That vehicle was insured under a third party cover, which will not be compensated, that is why I cry for these young men (owner and driver) that he has lost his earnings, he got to start from zero.”
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