Ngong Road in Nairobi came to a standstill on Thursday morning as a group of matatu operators staged a protest against what they claim are persistent issues of police harassment and extortion. The protest, which saw operators blocking key sections of the busy road, aimed to draw attention to their grievances and demand action from the authorities.
The protestors, who included matatu operators from Dagoretti Corner and Prestige areas, took to the streets early in the morning. They honked their horns incessantly, creating a cacophony of noise that interrupted the flow of traffic. The operators expressed frustration over alleged extortion practices by the police, who they claim have been demanding bribes for them to operate their businesses without interference.
According to the protestors, the harassment by traffic police is not a new phenomenon but a recurring issue that has significantly impacted their daily operations. They argue that the extortion has become a routine part of their business dealings, with police officers demanding money in exchange for allowing them to continue working.
“We are tired of the constant harassment and the extortion that we face from the police,” said one of the protestors. “We are only asking for a fair environment to operate in without the constant threat of being stopped and forced to pay bribes.”
The situation escalated when the protesters began blocking Ngong Road with stones, further impeding traffic flow on this critical route. The roadblock created severe congestion, affecting both public and private transport and causing significant delays for commuters.
Kilimani Police Chief Ben Kobia arrived at the scene and engaged with the operators to address their concerns. His presence helped to calm the situation, and the protesters eventually dispersed peacefully after registering their complaints. Kobia assured the operators that their grievances would be investigated and addressed accordingly.
“We have heard the concerns of the matatu operators and are committed to looking into the matter,” Kobia said. “We are asking anyone with evidence of the alleged harassment and extortion to come forward. Serious allegations require serious evidence, and we need this to take appropriate action.”
The police chief emphasized the importance of evidence in handling such allegations. He noted that without concrete proof, it is challenging to address the issues effectively. “If any operator has evidence of police wrongdoing, it should be brought to our attention or to relevant authorities so that we can take the necessary action,” Kobia added.
The protest highlighted the ongoing tensions between matatu operators and law enforcement in Nairobi. While the protest was largely peaceful, the use of stones and the temporary roadblock underscored the frustration and desperation felt by the operators. The disruption caused significant inconvenience to road users and underscored the need for a resolution to the issues raised.
The authorities are now faced with the task of investigating the claims and ensuring that the matatu operators’ concerns are addressed. The outcome of this investigation will be crucial in restoring normalcy and ensuring that similar incidents do not occur in the future.
As the situation unfolds, both the matatu operators and the police are expected to engage in dialogue to resolve the underlying issues. The protest serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in managing public transport and maintaining order while ensuring that business operations can proceed smoothly.
In the meantime, the impact of the protest on Ngong Road’s traffic flow continues to be felt, with commuters hoping for a swift resolution to the issues at hand.
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