Business in Nakuru town came to a standstill for over 3 hours on Monday as matatu operators staging protests over their quest to return to the Central Business Centre engaged police in battle runs.
The protestors majority of whom were youths pelted stones at the security officers sparking confrontation in various spots within Nakuru Town.
The Monday protests saw business women in Nakuru town fault county government for using excessive force.
“We have really gone through a lot and the governor has messed our businesses” said Phanice Ojwang.
Sentiments echoed by Mary Njeri a food vendor and the Mashambani stage who said Governor Lee Kinyanjui has failed to address the issues affecting them.
They have vowed not to elect Kinyanjui come 2022.
The matatu operators have been demanding that the county government ensure their return to their former stages in Nakuru’s CBD.
According to the town service operators Association chairman Francis Njoroge alias Njosh,the County has not been giving them a listening ear over their grievances.
They say Governor Lee Kinyanjui has continued to neglect them in the new matatu stages they were relocated to in April this year in bid to decongest the town.
The new stages at Kwa Jack,Ziwani or Kingdom seekers and KFA grounds has continued to create bad blood between Governor Lee Kinyanjui and the operators.
The operators say the new stages have no businesses as the county has failed to ensure condusive environment for such.
They have vowed not to relent in pushing for their grievances to be addressed by the county executive.
David Kuria Western who is a stakeholder in the Matatu Industry condemning the county for not listening to their grievances.
Kuria who is also a human rights defender says they will continue to seek that their grievances be addressed.
“The police should not use force on the demonstrators who are demanding their rights.This is a matter that can be solved through dialogue” said Kuria.
This even as meeting between Nakuru Legislators Samuel Arama(Nakuru West) and David Gikaria of Nakuru East with the County Commander over the matter turned sour.
This saw Nakuru Town East MP David Gikaria arrested.
According to MP Arama, Gikaria was arrested after exchanging bitter words with the county commander who ordered for his arrest.
Arama who addressed media in Nakuru town however was quick to note that they are having consultations to have the MP released from Central Police cells.
“We were in a meeting and when Gikaria failed to agree with the Cpounty commander and they exchanged words leading to his arrest. But we are working to ensure that he is released” said Arama.