A section of Kiganjo mechanics have raised concerns over the increasing number of quack mechanics in the motor repair and maintenance business in the area.
The Kiganjo Motor Mechanics Welfare Group mechanics also claimed that the number of unlicensed garages operating in the area has also gone up.
Speaking in Kiganjo Kona Two on Thursday, the mechanics led by their chairman Joseph Mboo asked the Kiambu County government and the relevant road safety authorities to address the matter and bring back sanity to the sector.
"As experienced mechanics from this area, we are disturbed by the increasing number of unqualified mechanics who are working in cohorts with owners of unlicensed garages to repair vehicles of unsuspecting customers. This is dangerous as they are not only fleecing their customers by pretending to do proper repairs, but are also endangering the lives of many people who travel in the said vehicles," said Mbogo.
Mbogo said the quack mechanics were also being entrusted in repairing passenger matatus which ply the Thika route.
"Just the other day, a matatu door fell off and hit a pedestrian near Thika Town. The pedestrian had to be taken to hospital for treatment. The passenger who was seated near the door almost fell down but was saved by the conductor. This is all as a result of poor repair and maintenance by quack mechanics," added Mburu.
The mechanics now want all the unlicensed garages closed down and all mechanics operating in the area vetted to ascertain their qualifications.