Million signature drive to force Kidero out
Nairobi’s public transport operators have threatened to collect a million signatures to enable them change the way the county was being governed.
They said if the new parking rates were not revised downwards, they would have no option but to use legal ways to remove Governor Evans Kidero from office so that a person “sensitive to their concerns” takes over.
Mr Peter Kiige, chairman Nairobi Metropolitan PSV Saccos Union, said they had a solid support base, mainly from stakeholders in the matatu industry and who will make the million signatures campaign a reality.
“We will get agents to mobilise people to come out and provide signatures. We already know where to have our stations and we will not backtrack once we begin the campaign,” said Mr Kiige.
The sentiments were echoed by Laban Maina, the national vice chairman Kenya Taxi Cab Association who said that the the new charges the county government expected from them were unreasonable and did not take into account many factors.
“The same vehicle is being used to service loans. We have rent to pay and families to take care of. Indeed, we have really been pressed as a result of the new rates and some of us may as well close business,” said Mr Maina.
The county government has increased parking fees for public transport vehicles by 200 per cent.
On Wednesday last week, transport in the city was paralysed following a strike by matatu, bus and taxi operators protesting against the charges.