Hundreds of passengers were left stranded after more than 100 vehicles were grounded in Athi River, Machakos County.
Traffic police carried out a major crackdown on matatu operators flouting Covid-19 regulations issued by the Ministry of Health.
The passengers, unaware of the crackdown, were left to seek alternative methods to head to their destinations.
Reports indicated that the matatu operators were barred from returning to the road without showing Covid-19 clearance certificates.
One of the matatu operators decried harassment from the police citing they had not been informed on the reasons for the arrest and impounding of their vehicles.
“We were arrested early this morning and the vehicle seized by the traffic police without giving us reasons.
“After hours of waiting, we are now being told to head to the office to know the amount we will be paying as cash bail,” the matatu operator stated.
A Traffic police officer who spoke to KTN News, noted that the operation would continue to ensure that the matatu operators observe the set safety rules.
“All of them (matatu operators) will be given cash bail to appear in court on Monday, December 7 and the operation will go on,” he stated.
He further urged motorists to comply with the set regulations.
Since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the government issued strict measures to the matatu sector to curb the spread of the virus.
This has seen various crackdowns launched by police officers all over the country to nab matatu operators and commuters who don’t adhere to the set rules.
