This archive report was first published on 19 December 2019.
As the festive season gets underway, Inspector General Hillary Mutyambai has issued a stern warning to passengers who continue to ride in Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) with excess passengers.
According to IG Mutyambai, passengers found at police roadblocks as excess passengers in a matatu or PSV will be removed and the vehicle allowed to proceed with seated passengers.
'I'd like to warn passengers that during this festive season and even afterwards, any excess [passengers] in a PSV will be dealt with as an individual,' IG Mutyambai stated.
He added that the driver and conductor of the PSV with excess passengers will not be held responsible for the traffic violation.
IG Mutyambai also ordered police officers manning traffic to take action immediately, warning passengers not to blame the driver or conductor for pushing them into the vehicle.
Random stops along major highways will be conducted during the day and night to verify the validity of drivers' licenses, check speed, seat belt use, overloading, and other issues.
Drivers found flouting the rules will have their licenses suspended and be required to undergo a mandatory driver retest.
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) will also be on patrol to ensure vehicles are compliant with traffic regulations.
