By John Kariuki
The Matatu Owners Association (MOA) has raised alarm over widespread corruption, extortion, and harassment of Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operators by traffic police, judicial officers, and their accomplices. Speaking on behalf of the association, MOA President Mr. Albert Karakacha decried the escalating impunity within the transport sector, calling for urgent anti-corruption interventions to address the issue.
On January 3, 2025, Hudson Njoroge of City Shuttle and Daniel Ouma of Oma Services Limited were arrested by traffic officers from Makongeni Police Station along Jogoo Road. The charges against them—alleged obstruction and picking passengers on the roadside—resulted in court appearances on January 6, where they were denied cash bail and subjected to bond terms of Ksh 50,000. The bond required property documents such as a car logbook or title deed, leaving many operators unable to secure their release.
Mr. Karakacha condemned these terms as excessive, emphasizing that the Traffic (Minor Offenses) Rules cap the penalties for obstruction and illegal passenger pickup at Ksh 10,000 and Ksh 3,000, respectively. “The prolonged detention of drivers who cannot meet these exorbitant demands is a blatant abuse of power and victimization,” he said.
Further allegations have surfaced implicating a corrupt syndicate involving a magistrate at court number 8, court clerk Mr. Amin, and traffic officer Madam Naomi from Makongeni Police Station. This group is accused of colluding to extort bribes from drivers, promising lenient treatment or expedited release in exchange.
On January 7, Hudson Njoroge reportedly paid a bribe of Ksh 25,000 and a cash bail of Ksh 5,000 to secure his release. However, Daniel Ouma remains in custody after Oma Services Limited’s request for cash bail was denied. Matatu operators allege that those who refuse to pay bribes face punitive bond terms and extended remand periods, crippling their livelihoods.
“This level of corruption is unacceptable,” Mr. Karakacha declared. “It undermines the rule of law and exploits hardworking Kenyans who rely on this sector for their daily bread. We demand immediate investigations into these allegations and decisive action against traffic officer Naomi, court clerk Amin, and the implicated magistrate.”
The MOA has pledged to escalate the matter to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to ensure accountability. Operators along Jogoo Road have also vowed to support anti-corruption efforts to restore fairness and integrity within the transport sector.
“We call on the government and all relevant bodies to prioritize the fight against corruption in the transport sector. This harassment and exploitation must stop,” Mr. Karakacha concluded.