Today, matatus took to protesting at The Mall stage in Westlands – Nairobi where they usually pick and drop commuters. The Matatu Operators were not pleased by the shift of this well-known drop-off point, created by the need to have the Westlands Expressway entrance cleared, which is right in front of the landmark building, ‘The Mall’.
The Expressway has been in operation since last Saturday, 14th May, and has seen some Kenyans benefit and others, like the Westlands matatu operators, inconvenienced. As a way of getting the attention of the authorities matatus took to blocking the cross junction at The Mall, which leads to Kangemi, Kileleshwa, and Westlands center, this created a huge snarl-up and backlog of traffic.
The Traffic Police have been on the ground trying to manage the situation.
Kenyans on Twitter took to expressing their views on the matter. Some were saying the major inconvenience of the masses who use public means is not fair, to simply serve a few. Others said that they saw it coming the minute the stage was fenced in preparation for the entrance to the expressway. Videos and pictures of the traffic situation are also doing rounds on social media, showing packed matatus right in the middle of the road blocking personal cars and any movement. One video revealed that police used teargas to calm the protest down.
More on this story to follow.
