Travellers stranded as Isiolo matatu operators protest new Sacco

Travellers destined for various destinations across the country were Monday treated to a rude shock after local matatu operators withdrew their vehicles from all stages in Isiolo town.

The operators were protesting the municipality's decision to permit a new Sacco based in Embu to operate in the town without adequate consultations.

More than 50 vehicles plying Isiolo-Nairobi, Isiolo-Meru, Isiolo-Nanyuki, Isiolo-Wamba (Samburu) and Isiolo-Marsabit routes converged at the diversion leading to Isiolo International Airport along Isiolo-Moyale highway before snaking through the town to the county offices.

Matatu operators at diversion leading to Isiolo International Airport along Isiolo-Moyale highway on July 15, 2024. (Photo: Waweru Wairimu)

Yussuf Juma, a traveller destined for Nakuru County, was among the victims of the boycott.

"I was supposed to travel back to (Nakuru) on Sunday but I couldn't get a vehicle in the evening. I have been forced to suspend the journey (due to the strike) as I look for alternative means," he told The Eastleigh Voice at a stage within the Jamia Mosque area.

The Matatu Owners Association said giving a loading zone to the new Sacco was against a 2019 resolution by the County Assembly allegedly suspending the registration of new Saccos to operate Matatu business until a decongestion of the town or a new bus stop was established.

Rule of law

County Matatu Owners Chairperson Mohammed Ahmed Koroboi said they were not afraid of any competition with new entrants but insisted that the law must be followed.

"We had complained about the plans months ago and the Sacco's letter was revoked only to be later allowed to operate without consultations with various stakeholders," Mohammed said.

Isiolo County Matatu Owners Association Chairperson Mohammed Ahmed Koroboi addresses journalists' diversion leading to Isiolo International Airport along Isiolo-Moyale highway on July 15, 2024. (Photo: Waweru Wairimu)

Public Service Vehicles belonging to various matatu Saccos parked at the diversion leading to Isiolo International Airport along the Isiolo-Moyale highway on July 15, 2024. (Photo: Waweru Wairimu)

He maintained that they will not allow the new Sacco to operate in Isiolo unless local Saccos are also permitted to operate in the neighbouring County.

"Business is a two-way traffic. If they are not ready to allow us to operate in Embu, they will also not operate in Isiolo," he said, demanding respect by the county government as both taxpayers and investors in the region.

Addressing journalists, the matatu owners implored Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo to intervene and help resolve the stalemate.

"If he (Governor) remains silent, we will know that the Municipality Manager and Chief Officer for Urban development have his blessings," Isime Sacco official Jefitha Kathurima said.

They threatened to stop paying seasonal parking fees to the devolved government if their grievances were not addressed.

"We will continue with the protests until we are heard," Mohammed said.

Municipality Manager Osman Halakhe was unreachable for comment at the time of publishing.