Tuktuk operators in Mombasa have complained over lack of involvement in enactment of traffic laws in the county, as well as harassment by county askaris.
Led by their chairman Obedi Muruli, the operators held demonstrations on Wednesday, and marched to the County Assembly offices to submit their plea to the assembly.
“I have a driver who was beaten up by county askaris last month until he fainted, and was later taken to the Coast General Hospital. These county askaris are really harassing us," said Muruli.
The drivers also faulted Mombasa County Transport CeC Tawfique Balala for allegedly enacting laws without involving them, a move they said causes them to flout the rules unknowingly.
The operators said the CeC should not have closed Digo road without involving them, as they now have to use a longer route.
"The governor must be informed about the issues we face and consult us before coming up with proper solutions. How can someone heading to Blue Room be forced to go all the way round up to Fort Jesus, yet the passengers still expect us to charge them 50 shillings,” said one of the drivers.
The Tuktuk operators also accused the county officers of colluding with tow truck owners instructed to tow them, to charge excessive fees, thus creating business opportunities for private individuals.