Recent events in Dandora point to something gravely wrong. The conflict between
the two rival and barbaric groups of Mungiki and kamjesh, who have been fighting
for control of matatu terminals has already resulted in loss life and property.
Few could imagine that this would be the situation given the Transport
Licensing Board (TLB) chairman's tough talk about how he would root out the
matatu cartels who appoint themselves to lord it over the legitimate tax-paying
matatu business community.
After collecting the levy due from every commercial vehicle, the TLB appears to
have quietly retreated and left the public and transport industry to their own
devices.
Nothing has been done about the cartels.
Today, warring Mungiki and kamjesh groups kill one another in broad daylight,
exposing the public to untold insecurity and suffering. Many of us have
therefore come to the conclusion that the TLB is either an accomplice or unable
to deal with the menace. It is emerging that TLB has taken sides and supported
the Mungiki group
Is the government aware that it is toying with a time bomb?
The peace missions attended by the Nairobi PC, security forces and politicians
are self-defeatist. How can they share a table with an illegitimate
organisation?
Government and the City Council have failed to execute their duty of running
transport on the Dandora and to collect the necessary taxes and levies for
national development. Allowing other groups to collect taxes and levies from
fellows citizens for personal use contravenes Kenyan laws and is tantamount to
the creation of a quasi-government.
It beats the logic of having legally registered associations like the Matatu
Welfare Association.