Meru police have impounded a matatu operated by Meru Shuttle Limited following allegations that its crew forcibly removed two passengers, including a woman with a minor, over disputes about overcrowding.
Footage from the incident, which occurred in March 2019, shows the vehicle’s tout and driver confronting the woman while hurling abusive language. The woman, citing the matatu’s registration number, was met with a taunt urging her to photograph it and take legal action if she wished.
The video, shared widely on social media, prompted the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) to demand the crew’s appearance at its Meru office on March 11, 2019. However, Meru Shuttle Limited officials reportedly presented the vehicle to Meru Police Station without the crew, claiming they had gone into hiding.
NTSA’s Meru regional manager, Joseph Gichohi, confirmed the matatu would undergo inspection. The agency’s statement emphasized compliance with regulations, stating, "The Authority wishes to inform the public that the sacco officials have been directed to present the crew members to the NTSA office in Meru County on Monday 11th March, 2019 at 9am."
