Matatu operators plying the Thika-Nairobi route have threatened to strike over the increased traffic surveillance along the super highway.
On Thursday, different drivers from various matatu saccos accused the police of subjecting them to arbitrary arrests, harassment and soliciting bribes for the crimes committed instead of following the due process.
The group particularly cited this week as their toughest period on the road.
Peter Maina, claimed the police hide along the super highway and come out whenever they see a PSV approaching just to punish the crew for minor offences.
Joseph Chege, a matatu driver, said he almost got fired by his boss after falling a victim of a Monday morning arrest and almost took nothing to the employer.
He said he was arrested for picking passengers at an undesignated point, an action whose penalty cost him Sh3,000 to get his freedom.
When contacted, Thika sub-county traffic base commandant William Uhuru said he will deal with the officers who have been mentioned in bribe taking but also ensure the roads are safe as the festive season sets in.
He further said he would not relent on the traffic patrols saying it’s the only way to keep Thika road from traffic jams and accidents.
“We are going to look into the issue of police officers taking bribes but I am not going to promise that we will tone down on the patrols because this is the only way to keep our roads safe and get rid of the rogue drivers from our roads,” the officer said.