Chaos in Kitale as rival m**atu Saccos fight
Chaos erupted in Kitale Saturday after Bungoma Classic and Bungoma line matatu saccos fought over control of a terminus.
Touts accused drivers of unilaterally blocking them from directing passengers in easily accessing vehicles to the intended destinations.
"Investors who have brought their vehicles to this parking are exploiting most youths, and this morning we were shocked when one Sacco claiming the legitimacy of ownership blocked us from transacting business,’’ said a former tout Titus Nyamwaya.
The move worked against efforts of passengers in getting access to the matatu parking leading to the anti-riot police being called in to disperse hundreds of rival gangs that had gathered without regard to the ministry of health’s guidelines against overcrowding.
A matatu operator James Mwangi claimed the Bungoma line Sacco was causing disorder in the sector and asked authorities to stop them from exploiting youths who had for long labored to assist in directing passengers.
"I do not understand why they have chosen to use force in accessing this ground that we have occupied from 2008 and since they want to displace us and the hundreds of youths we have been maintaining, we are left with no option but to stop them even if it will mean using force,’’ he said.
Trans-Nzoia County Police Commander Ayub Gitonga said stern action will be taken against matatu operators engaging in hooliganism and violating the directives to keep a safe distance in Covid-19 crisis.
“We have given firm instructions to our officers to ensure everyone complies with the law or else we will not allow anyone no matter the class to violate the directives,” said Gitonga.
