By John Peter
Twelve matatu saccos, through their counsel, held a press briefing at the Milimani Law Court to oppose a case seeking to stop them from operating within petrol stations.
The saccos include Ena, Prestige, Kinatwa, Makos, Kamuna, Transline, NNUS, Intercounty Travellers among others.
The case was filed by one Ezekiel Oyugi and John Karuu against the saccos, Nairobi County Government, Total Energies and Ola Energy Afya Center and OTC.
The saccos said that the claims made against them, that they endanger the lives of city residents and cause congestion, are unfounded and unfair.
During the briefing, their lawyers led by Danstan Omari, stated that since the saccos began operating from their current pickup and drop-off points, none of them has ever been involved in any accident.
They maintained that the allegations are baseless and intended to frustrate legitimate transport operators who have served Nairobi residents for many years.
Their lawyers explained that the saccos have been operating lawfully and pay millions every month in taxes to both the Nairobi County Government and the national government.
They further said the matatu industry plays a vital role in the city’s economy and should be supported rather than unfairly targeted through biased enforcement actions.
According to their lawyers, the current dispute stems from a series of unfruitful meetings between the saccos and the Department of Transport of the Nairobi County Assembly.
The operators claim the meetings became unproductive after they allegedly refused to pay bribes, a move they believe led to the current attempts to push them out of the CBD.
They described the ongoing case as being influenced by individuals pursuing personal interests rather than genuine safety or planning concerns.
The saccos insisted that they will not vacate their current stages within the CBD, arguing that the alternative stations proposed by the county government including the Country Bus terminus and Green Park, are already overcrowded and cannot accommodate additional matatus.
They maintained that operating from their current points ensures accessibility and convenience for thousands of daily commuters who depend on them for transportation.
Their lawyers also highlighted that the operators incur heavy operational costs, including paying Ksh15,000 every month for signage permits which indicate their various destinations.
They further noted that most of the saccos have been operating for decades and were licensed by the former local government authorities before devolution in 2010, with only a few obtaining new licenses under the Nairobi County administration.
The saccos vowed to continue operating from their current locations as they await the outcome of the case filed against them, maintaining that the allegations are politically motivated, economically unfair and meant to punish them for standing against corruption.
