NewsMatatu Operators Kick Out County Askaris

Matatu Operators Kick Out County Askaris

-

- Advertisment -spot_img
  • Matatu operators in Chuka ganged up against county askaris who were collecting revenue, chasing them from the terminus. 

    On Tuesday morning, February 16, the touts and drivers declined to remit levies to the askaris who they accused of corruption and bias at the Tharaka Nithi County terminus. The PSV operators claimed that the county staff also colluded with other matatus to flout Covid-19 rules

    “The reinforcement officers are not working as they should. They are lazy and favour some operators. They also take bribes and allow drivers to break the law. 

    “For example, some vehicles pick commuters outside the stage where they are allowed to ferry passengers at full capacity against directives by the Ministry of Health,” said Eric Mutembei, an operator at the stage claimed.

    Commuters at a matatu terminus in Tharaka Nithi County
    File

    He added that the matatus operating within the terminus adhere to Covid-19 protocols and had to raise the fare to adjust to Kagwe’s directive. Mutembei further accused the county askaris of allowing matatus to operate outside the terminus without remitting stipulated levies. 

    “This has been one of our main grievances. We who follow the rules pay the levies as requested while those who flout rules only bribe officers and do not pay taxes. How can the county grow at such a rate?” he wondered.

    The touts also claimed that they had presented their issues to the County Government management and Transport CEC who failed to address the matter. 

    They said that they would stick with strikes, demonstrations and chasing county askaris as the only means of raising their grievances. The touts said that they would not pay taxes until the matter is resolved. 

    Tharaka Nithi County unveiled automated machines in some areas to curb the loss of revenue. The government accused matatu attendants of colluding with askaris to avoid paying or to remitting less fee. 

    Governor Muthomi Njuki said the automated machines would be installed in all matatu termini within the county to capture revenue which unscrupulous attendants pocketed. 

    “Once all the matatu termini are automated, the collections that have been ending up in the pockets of some attendants who keep two sets of receipts will go to the county coffers hence an expected increase in revenue collection,†Njuki said. 

    a
    A traffic officer inspects a Meru bound matatu outside Tharaka Nithi County
    File
  • Source: KENYAGIST.COM

    LEAVE A REPLY

    Please enter your comment!
    Please enter your name here

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Latest news

    Ex-Govt Official in Ksh1.3 Billion Scandal Hospitalised After Court Release

    Former Nairobi Provincial Commissioner Davis Nathan Chelogoi is set to receive ongoing medical treatment at a hospital in the...

    Raila Allies Pile Pressure on Ruto as Talks Hit Dead End

    National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi, a close ally of opposition leader Raila Odinga and a senior member of...

    'They’re Jealous of Me', Nakhumicha Over Recent Criticism

    Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Health Susan Nakhumicha has strongly condemned the individuals criticising her over allegations of underperformance within...

    Court Orders City Lawyer Behind Ksh 283M Scam to Refund Loot

    The High Court on Thursday ordered a Nairobi lawyer to refund Ksh25 million he is accused of obtaining fraudulently. While...
    - Advertisement -spot_imgspot_img

    How to Buy Cryptocurrency with M-Pesa in Kenya: A Step-by-Step Guide on Binance

    Are you a Kenyan interested in purchasing cryptocurrencies using M-Pesa? Although direct purchases of cryptocurrencies via M-Pesa are currently...

    How to Buy Bitcoin with M-Pesa in Kenya: A Step-by-Step Guide on Binance

    Are you a Kenyan interested in buying Bitcoin using M-Pesa? While there's currently no direct way to purchase Bitcoin...

    Must read

    Ex-Govt Official in Ksh1.3 Billion Scandal Hospitalised After Court Release

    Former Nairobi Provincial Commissioner Davis Nathan Chelogoi is set...

    Raila Allies Pile Pressure on Ruto as Talks Hit Dead End

    National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi, a close ally...
    - Advertisement -spot_imgspot_img

    You might also likeRELATED
    Recommended to you