Interior CS Fred Matiang'i on Monday enforced the crackdown on non-compliant matatus that ply Kenyan roads.
Consequently, many matatu operators have withdrawn their services across the country to protest the full implementation of what is popularly known as Michuki traffic rules.
In Thika town, for instance, many matatu saccos and bus companies like Kenya Mpya, Manchester buses have downed their tools leaving many passengers stranded.
However, as many PSVs that ply Thika Road and elsewhere across the country took part in the strike, it was business as usual for matatus and buses belonging to Kensilver and Unique Matatu Saccos.
Kensilver operates both small and medium-sized buses that ply the Nairobi-Meru route where many passengers who use these matatus term them as 'the epitome of efficient public service transport system'.
According to passengers, the matatus belonging to the Unique Matatu Sacco which also ferry passengers between Nairobi through Thika to Meru are said to be always compliant with the Michuki traffic rules.
According to a driver who works for this matatu Sacco, any matatu owner who wants their matatu(s) to be registered with Unique Shuttle have to follow all the set Sacco guidelines that include total compliance with Michuki rules.
"Unique Shuttle is very strict when it comes to compliance with all the set traffic rules. As a matatu crew who has worked for this Sacco for over three years now, we are always reminded that our passengers' safety comes first and they is no room for compromise when it comes to this," the driver who identified himself as John said on Monday.
The usual 14-seater matatus at Unique Shuttle only allow a maximum of 10 passengers with the front seat only carrying one passenger and the driver.
One regular user of Unique Shuttle matatus says that travelling with these matatus gives you an experience like no other.
"If you happen to travel with these matatus, you might be forced to think that you are not even in Kenya. This is like executive travelling. These matatus are not even stopped by the police because they will find no mistakes. Other matatus can also borrow a leaf from this Sacco and stop engaging in useless strikes," Antony Mugambi who resides in Thika said on Monday.
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