Buses operating on the Mandera-Wajir-Nairobi route packed at the stage in Mandera town. [Photo/the-star.co.ke]
Bus companies in Mandera have complied with the recent ban of non-locals from using public transport out of Mandera County for fear of Al-Shabaab attacks along the Mandera-Nairobi route.
Abus Company chairman Mohamed Bardad said the travel ban follows the government’s withdrawal of armed security escort two weeks ago.
Mr. Bardad who expressed regret over the move said the ban of non-locals from using public transport out of Mandera County was affecting their businesses.
He, however, said they cannot risk peoples’ lives since non-locals are being targeted by Al-Shabaab militants when they attack buses.
“We cannot risk lives of fellow Kenyans as they are the target to Al Shabaab attacks, without armed police escort we are going to suspend transport for non-locals and not on bad intention but to protect lives,” said Mr. Bardad.
Mr. Bardad also claimed that communities in Mwingi and Thika who depend on the buses for their operations have been affected by the ban.
The chairman said Mwingi and Thika residents are threatening to stop Mandera buses from plying through the Vast Ukambani and Thika regions claiming if the buses cannot carry non-locals then they must find alternative routes to Nairobi.