Protesting matatu operators stage street march to Raila’s office
Matatu operators on Wednesday held a demonstration on the streets of Nairobi to protest the burning of two Kayole matatus during Monday’s anti-IEBC demonstrations by Cord followers.
The protesters placed one of the vehicles on top of a lorry which was driven through various city streets in an exercise that was largely peaceful.
Hundreds of demonstrators, led by Matatu Owners Association chairman Samwel Kimutai, Kabete MP Ferdinand Waititu, Starehe MP Maina Kamanda and about 300 protesters marched along Haile Selassie Avenue and into Moi Avenue.
Business owners also joined the protest, saying they were tired of closing their shops every Monday.
CORD LEADERS
The group blamed Cord leaders Raila Odinga, Moses Wetang’ula and Kalonzo Musyoka for loss of business.
“We want Cord to halt these demos as they are seriously affecting our businesses and could escalate into serious violence. We want them to respect the Constitution, the Presidency and institutions put in place to protect Kenyans,” said a protester, Mr Maina Chege.
They then marched to President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Harambee House office where they handed over a petition before proceeding to Mr Odinga’s Upper Hill office where they damped the shell of the burnt up matatu.
Cord has been holding demonstrations for the past four Mondays in a bid to push the IEBC out of office.
Additional reporting by Stella Cherono and Zadock Angira