Matatu operators in Kisii town now want the government to investigate involvement of outlawed sect Sungu Sungu in oppressing them when they decline to bribe traffic police in the region.
Speaking to HiviSasa.com on Sunday, the operators accused the police of using the outlawed sect to intimidate and sometimes beat them in their stations of operation.
According to them, the habit has been going on for years and now they want it combated since the group is said to make life unbearable.
“This is just unbearable. When one refuses to bribe the traffic police in our roads, these people (Sungu Sungu) come to the main stage and ‘arrest’ us. If you fail to comply, they will simply beat you and sometimes detain you in the Gusii stadium,” said an operator who spoke on condition of anonymity due to sensitivity of the issue.
“They have done that for several years so it is either you part with a few shillings to traffic officers or you face them elsewhere. I think they are operating with the officers because they do it with a lot of impunity,” said Julius Nyakego.
They urged the government to take an action and sack officers involved besides apprehending members of the outlawed sect to face the law.
However, OCPD Tom Mutisya declined to give details on the issue when contacted by HiviSasa.com but asked those with evidence to record statement at the police.
“That is completely a new issue and I think it is fundamental that those with evidence to record statement with us,” he said.