Matatu industry hit hard by election fever

Public transport daily earnings have reduced by 25% following the nullification of presidential elections by the Supreme Court last week.

According to Matatu Owners Association  chairman Simon Kimutai, since the August 8 polls, public transport has largely been disrupted, leading to a reduction in the Ksh 62.5 million daily income earned by the operators.

Addressing the press in Nairobi Wednesday on the effects of elections on the economy, Kimutai said the October 17 date set by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) was within the constitutional timelines.

He called on the members of Opposition to stop issuing further demands that might make the country ungovernable.

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“Before the August 8 General Election, our daily collections were Ksh 250 million within Nairobi area but after the polls, the earnings reduced to Ksh 187.5 million per day,” said Kimutai.

“We will not tolerate threats, blackmails and utterances from politicians because this country is bigger than all of us and we should not hold this country captive,” he added.

Kimutai urged Kenyans to stand up against words and deeds that would endanger lives of the people despite their varied political affiliations.

“Kenyans guard against empty rhetoric made by politicians with the intention of dividing citizens along tribal lines,” Kimutai advised.

The association promised to offer free public transport to the elderly and the physically challenged persons to and from the polling stations within Nairobi County during the fresh election day.