Police stopping a matatu. Coast Matatu Owners Association said they are in support of the removal of TV screens in matatus in Mombasa. [Photo/Charles Ronald]
Matatu Owners Association in the Coast region has supported a move by Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) and the National Police Service to remove TV screens on Matatus in Mombasa County.
KFCB had said that they will remove TV screens in matatus after the board launched a crackdown on Public Service Vehicles (PSV) in Mombasa that are showing obscene content.
MOA Coast coordinator Salim Mbarak said they have warned matatu Saccos against showing such obscene music but nothing has been done.
Mbarak said it is against African culture to show such pornographic content in public adding that school going children are also affected since they use matatus.
“We support the government’s decision to remove these TV screens in matatus. Action needs to be taken against those airing offensive and obscene content.”
“Showing of obscene content brings the sector a bad image. The matatus need to comply with the regulations put in place,” said Mr Mbarak.
KFCB Coast region manager Bonaventure Kioko said they will take action on vehicles showing pornographic content and playing loud music following complaints by parents, religious leaders and civil society group in Mombasa County.
A driver and a conductor were arrested on Monday in Mtwapa for playing obscene music videos.
Mr Kioko said the crackdown will continue on other routes within the county warning matatus to bring down TV screens in their vehicles to avoid being arrested.
Is there a newsworthy accident, incident or event happening in Kiambu that you want Hivisasa to cover? Tell us what is happening by joining this group and have it published.