Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku, on Thursday, stormed Mashuuru police station and secured the release of 10 suspects who had been charged with robbery with violence.
According to a police report, the 10 matatu operators had been charged with robbing a trader identified as John Musyoki Ksh17,800.
The Star further reported that the suspects had unlawfully damaged a minibus belonging to another victim, Stephen Mwania.
The suspects included David Paale, Simon Parantai, Saitoti Sant, Hassan Mohammed, Patrick Silau, Lenkai Mpalelo, David Kipaiwa, James Kisimpol, Jonathan Sitat, and Benjamin Saningo.
They had been taken into custody on May 13.
Through lawyer Koin Lompo, the suspects had secured the release of their impounded vehicles but they could not be set free until they met a fine of Ksh115,000.
Lenku had reportedly tried to engage Kajiado County Police Commander Beatrice Gachago and County Commissioner Joshua Nkantha for the release but his efforts hit a dead end.
That was when he decided to head to the police station personally and have the suspects set free.
“The police have agreed to release all the 18 vehicles impounded during a crackdown after the groups clashed,” read part of a statement issued by Lenku.
The matatu operators had allegedly attacked a colleague who was charging low transport fee of Ksh500 against a set standard of Ksh700.
“We have been operating on this route for a long time with the troubles of a bad road. He cannot just come and take over the route without consulting us as saccos operating here,” vented one matatu operator.
