Matatu operators plying the Kikuyu-Nairobi route have been given a stern warning against encouraging pickpockets in their matatus.
Kikuyu OCPD Mutune Maweu said the matatu operators know the culprits and they risk being jailed for working with them.
Speaking from his office on Thursday, Maweu said that over 18 pick-pocketing cases had been reported along the same route in different matatus in the past two months.
Maweu said the thieves are often in groups of five to 10 and matatu operators know them. He added that matatu operators should avoid allowing such people in the matatu as they risk being accused of working with the criminals.
He revealed that 75% of the cases reported stated that the operators were simply aware of the pickpockets and still allowed them in the matatus. He explained that it is suspected that some of the matatus are working with these criminals and gain a certain percentage out of the evil activity.
Maweu however urged passengers to also be alert in matatus and ensure they report any incidents ensuring that they note down the matatu’s registration numbers.
He said: "I sent a stern warning to matatu operators plying the Kikuyu-Nairobi route to avoid allowing these criminals. Whichever matatu will be reported to have these criminals will be impounded and the operators taken as the first suspects."
"It's upon you to choose to work with the police and report these criminals whenever spotted or you risk being jailed on their behalf," added Maweu.
According to Francis Waweru, a driver plying the route, the criminals are familiar to most riders. He says that after refusing them to carry on their activity in the matatu, they always harass the matatu operatores especially at night by demanding a certain amount of fee.