Meru traffic police have impounded a Matatu and arrested its owner after a video surfaced showing the driver and conductor harassing a female passenger on the Meru-Nairobi highway. The incident occurred on Sunday, March 10, 2019, according to police reports.
The female passenger was forcibly removed from the 14-seater vehicle, owned by Meru Shuttle Sacco, after she refused to let an additional passenger board. Police confirmed the altercation escalated into verbal abuse and harassment, prompting immediate action.
Paul Kiminja, the Matatu owner, is in custody and faces charges including negligence, operating an unroadworthy vehicle, and lacking proper documentation. Authorities also revealed plans to pursue two suspects still at large, urging them to surrender.
Meru North Sub County OCPD Peter Kimani stated the arrest aims to deter similar offenses. "Our networks are actively searching for the suspects, and their details have been widely circulated," he said.
NTSA Upper Eastern Regional Manager Joseph Gichohi reported that the vehicle’s speed governor had been tampered with in February 2019, and several seat belts were missing during an inspection. He emphasized efforts to educate Sacco operators on road safety and ethical practices.
The case has sparked public scrutiny over transport safety standards. A video of the incident remains available online, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement of vehicle regulations.
