The Association of Matatu Operators have now okayed Azimio’s leader Raila Odinga’s call for civil disobedience to force President William Ruto’s administration do away with Finance Bill, 2023
While responding to instructions from the opposition chief on Wednesday 28th June, Association of Matatu Operators backed by the Kenya Motorists Association, noted challenges heeding to Raila Odinga’srequest.
The two groups acknowledged that they did not entirely support Raila’s idea to deny President William Ruto’s fuel tax in a statement to the local media outlets
KMA supported Raila’s recommendation that Kenyans bike, walk, or carpool whenever possible to economize on fuel.
However, Branden Marshall, a representative of AMO, pointed out that the former prime minister’s recommendation for carrying extra passengers was misguided.
“Azimio could mean good but ultimately it is breaking the law. We have insured our vehicles and in case of any accident when carrying excess passengers, there will be no compensation,” Marshall stated.
Association of Matatu Operators official further poked holes into Raila’s proposal noting that carrying excess passengers was a criminal offence and owners would incur fines leading to losses.
Marshall revealed that if Raila wanted to help the matatu sector, he should agitate for lowering insurance premiums and taxes levied on vehicle spare parts
His remarks were supported by Peter Murima, KMA Chairman, who noted, “Agitating for carrying excess passengers is retrogressive. We cannot support that as there is a need to carry passengers decently and safely.”
KMA noted that the other measures were a welcome idea because they were helping motorists cope with the high cost of living.
“Carpooling, cycling, and walking to work are healthy options. We urge motorists to limit driving to essential duties,” Murima stated.
With passengers already opting to walk to work and an increase in fuel prices, Marshall noted that a spike in fare prices was inevitable.
Marshall noted that matatu operators had shown restraint and not hiked fares despite ever-increasing fuel prices and the cost of spare parts.
“Going forward, we could be forced to raise fares, especially during peak hours so as to be sustainable,” he stated.
“I appeal to matatu owners to attend the current fares by doubling the carrying capacity as part of the civil disobedience,” Raila urged his supporters on Tuesday, 27th June at Kamukunji where he was received triumphantly