Thika's Whiteline stage. Thika businessmen have given the Kiambu County Government an ultimatum to remove all illegal termini. [Photo/ Thika Today]Thika matatu owners and businessmen have given the Kiambu County Government an ultimatum to remove all illegal termini that were recently allocated to non-matatu owners without following the laid down rules and regulations.In a meeting held at a Thika hotel on Wednesday, the operators warned that failure to do so, they will forcefully eject those matatus and paralyse transport services within the town until their grievances are addressed.Led by Central region Matatu Owners Association Chairperson Rufus Kariuki, the traders said that it was wrong for the county government to allocate commuter collection termini 'politically' without considering the welfare of general public.“We cannot have politicians give out stages without prior consideration of how their action will affect the general public. It has never happened and we will not allow it this time,” said Kariuki on Thursday.The chairperson noted that the town centre was already struggling with the issue of parking and there was no way they would allow ‘political handouts’ to choke the town further.Area MCA Andrew Kimani denied any knowledge of the allocations and accused some politicians in the area of trading these termini behind his back for personal and political mileage.“I fully support your (matatu owners) stand against this illegal allocation of termini. We need order and as the area representative, I should be involved in all matters affecting the people I represent,” said the MCA.These sentiments were echoed by Chania SACCO Chairman John Kiarie Gicharu and the Thika District Business Association Chairman Alfred Wanyoike who said that failure to adhere to their plea, they are going to take drastic action against the illegal operators as well as the county government.“If our plea is ignored, we will definitely defend our rights as enshrined in our Constitution. We cannot lose business just to please a few politically connected individuals,” warned Wanyoike.

Do you have a lead on a newsworthy story? Share news tips with us here at Hivisasa!