Transport paralysed in Embu as PSVs stage demo

Transport was on Tuesday paralysed in Embu town after matatu operators barricaded the busy Embu-Meru highway for more than two hours protesting increment of levies charged by the county government, as well as harassment by the county Askaris.

The matatu operators took to the streets of Embu town Kiritiri, carrying placards and twigs. They later stormed at the county headquarters office which is along the Embu -Meru highway, demanding audience of Governor Martin Wambora.

Speaking outside the county headquarters, Embu County Matatu Owners Chairman Robison Munyi claimed that the county government has increased the matatu levy from  Ksh1200 to Kah3000 monthly, without consulting the stakeholders.

Munyi said that they received messages from the county government that as of 1st January this year, they will be paying Ksh3000 per matatu, adding that the levy is too high compared to what they were paying last year.

Grace Njue noted that the county government has failed to address their grievances, even after they petitioned the governor on the issues affecting their businesses.

Efforts by senior county officials to address the agitated crowd proved futile as they would only listen to Governor Wambora.

The angry matatu stakeholders vowed not to pay any levy to county government until the governor addresses their grievancves with immediate effect.

On his part KETTNO Sacco Chairman Patrick Warui raised concern over police harassment in the county, adding that the trend is affecting their business adding that all parking lots have been turned to markets.