Matatu operators in Eldoret town have staged a demonstration accusing local police of harassing them on claims that they do not meet the set rules and regulations to operate.
The operators blocked the busy Eldoret-Kapsabet road as they demanded for an explanation from the area police boss.
They claimed the police were demanding bribes from them on a daily basis.
“We can not be giving bribes to police officers who get monthly salaries from the government. Every matatu has been registered in a Sacco, all drivers and their conductors are qualified to operate in the region,” said North Rift region Matatu owners association boss Michael Kiplagat.
He said over 15 touts have been illegally arrested by the corrupt officers and were forced to give cash for them to be released.
Kiplagat warned that if the police officers will not stop demanding bribes, it will not be business, as usual, starting Monday next week.
“Security officers should be satisfied with their monthly salaries if they want peace from us. No one will be giving bribes to the officers to operate on the roads in the region. Governor Jackson Mandago should intervene to ensure the officers stop asking for bribes,” he added.