By COLLINS WANZALLAH, THE DISPATCH DIGITAL
A critical meeting between matatu owners and senior police officials took place on Friday at the National Police Service (NPS) headquarters in Nairobi. The gathering was attended by the Acting Inspector General of Police, his deputy in charge of Kenya Police Eliud Lagat, and other high-ranking officers from the NPS and Nairobi Regional Police Command. The matatu sector was represented by leaders from various Saccos under the Kenya Matatu Movement Council, including Embassava Sacco Chairman Benson Wanyoike and other Sacco chairpersons.
The NPS spokesperson, Dr. Resila Onyango, described the meeting as consultative, focusing on enhancing harmony and cooperation between police and the matatu industry. “Today’s discussion focused on modalities of enhancing harmony on the road through collaboration, cooperation, and provision of a conducive working environment between police and the matatu industry,” said Dr. Resila.
Acting IGP Masengeli reassured the matatu owners of the police’s commitment to fostering good relations with the broader community, emphasizing the importance of a collaborative approach to road safety and order.
However, the meeting comes against a backdrop of rising tensions in the matatu sector. On Sunday, several matatu Saccos threatened to go on strike if their concerns with certain insurance firms were not addressed. Led by Paul Thiongo, Chairman of Matatu Movement Kenya, the Saccos claimed they were losing billions of shillings due to fraudulent activities by these firms, particularly Invesco Insurance Company.
Thiongo, alongside other leaders, called on the Insurance Regulatory Authority (IRA) to cancel policies held by Invesco, accusing the firm of enabling auctioneers to seize vehicles without notice. “We are appealing to the government to give those with Invesco Insurance covers a one-month notice before the cancellation of policies,” said Thiongo during a press briefing at Kencom Bus Stage.
The matatu leaders also urged the Acting IGP to prevent the arrest of vehicles insured by Invesco until their policies expire, warning that the ongoing auctioning of vehicles was causing widespread job losses in the industry.
Muthoni Njogu, Chairperson of Dakika Sacco and Secretary General of the movement, expressed concerns over the relationship between IRA and auctioneers, accusing them of unfair practices. She highlighted the financial strain on the industry, noting that vehicles worth millions were being sold at a fraction of their value due to sudden policy cancellations.
The matatu sector, a significant contributor to Kenya’s economy, is calling for urgent government intervention to protect its interests and ensure fair practices in the insurance industry.