Residents of Kisii County travelling to various parts of the county have protested over Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) decision to double fare charges.
The locals claimed that matatu owners have taken advantage of the newly introduced road rules famously known as 'Michuki rules' to double fares.
A spot check in Kisii town on Tuesday revealed that travellers are paying double charges.
Those travelling from Kisii-Keroka pays Sh100 while in the past they paid between Sh50, Kisii-Kiogoro passengers are charged Sh70 from the previous Sh50, Kisii-Nyansiongo Sh100, Kisii-Mogonga Sh150, Kisii-Magena Sh200, Kisii-Nyangusu Sh100, Kisii-Kilgoris Sh250.
Catherine Osebe condemned PSVs operators for exploiting poor residents.
"The implementation of Michuki rules is hurting poor locals. Matiang'i should ensure PSVs operators overcharging passengers are apprehended or banned from operating on our roads," said Osebe.
Teresa Nyabonyi another furious resident said PSVs defied orders by Kisii County commissioner Godfrey Kigochi.
"Kigochi's threats on PSVs overcharging passengers never scared the operators. Police officers should wake up and arrest PSVs operators who have doubled prices," she noted.
Charles Ontinta said for the last 3 weeks he has been walking from Kisii town to Suneka.
"I will not afford to pay hiked fares. I walk from my home in Suneka to Kisii town for work and vice versa," said Ontita.
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