Matatu Boss Interrupts Uhuru's CBD Tour

President Uhuru Kenyatta (in green shirt) and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga (in a brown shirt) at Green Park Terminus on Thursday, April 1, 2021.
President Uhuru Kenyatta (in green shirt) and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga (in a brown shirt) at Green Park Terminus on Thursday, April 1, 2021.
PSCU

Flamboyant Nairobi matatu boss Jamal Ibrahim, popularly known as Jamal Roho Safi interrupted President Uhuru Kenyatta and ODM leader Raila Odinga's tour at Green Park Terminus on Thursday, April 1. 

Jamal, the Chairman of the Association of Matatu Operators (AMO) requested to speak to the President who was on an impromptu tour in the city

Being a prominent businessman and familiar within Uhuru's ranks, the head of the state's aide allowed him to interact with the president who was also accompanied by Transport CS James Macharia. 

Speaking to Kenyans.co.ke, Brendan Marshall, a traffic coordinator and AMO member said that Jamal seized the moment to share the grievances of matatu operators. 

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President Uhuru Kenyatta (left) speaks with the Association of Matatu Operators (AMO) chairman, Jamal Ibrahim (right) at Green Park Terminus on Thursday, April 1, 2021
File

"They discussed the way forward on Covid-19 restrictions plus the harsh economic times. Jamal asked the President to cushion PSVs, especially a waiver on loans. He requested a 6-month loan free period on all matatus taxis and boda bodas. 

"The President set a meeting for next week where they would discuss the same," Brendan said. 

The matatu industry was affected by Uhuru's lockdown and cessation of movement orders as they were barred from ferrying passengers into and out of Nairobi. In 2020, they were further restricted from carrying at full capacity and also felt the pinch when fuel prices were hiked in March 2021. 

Speaking at the tour, ODM leader Raila Odinga also urged the government to review relief measures for Kenyans stuck in the disease zone, Nairobi, Nakuru, Machakos, Kajiado and Kiambu counties. 

"We are living in difficult times and I understand that we are in the middle of a pandemic. The economy is deteriorating and so many Kenyans are suffering, we pity them. However, our lives are more important and we need to protect them," Raila said. 

Jamal is one of the champions of the matatu relocation plan, through which the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) plans to bar PSVs from entering the city. Matatus will be restricted to termini outside CBD. 

These are Green Park at old Railways Club, Fig Tree Terminus at Ngara, Bunyala and Workshop Road, Muthurwa Terminus and a proposed terminus at Globe Cinema Roundabout. 

Nairobi Chairman of Matatu Operators Jamal Ibrahim arrives in Nairobi CBD for a meeting
Nairobi Chairman of Matatu Operators Jamal Ibrahim (left) arrives in Nairobi CBD for a meeting
File