AfriPulse
DCP Leader Rigathi Gachagua has raised sharp concerns over George Ruto’s entry into Nairobi’s competitive matatu sector. Addressing Nairobi grassroots leaders on Tuesday, June 30, Gachagua alleged that the move signals a broader, calculated strategy by President William Ruto to dominate the city’s public transport industry.
According to Gachagua, vehicles linked to the president’s son have already begun monopolizing key pick-up and drop-off points across the capital, a trend he warns could soon crowd out local operators entirely. He further claimed that the administration is leveraging state machinery to systematically push independent operators out of business.
“I have information that Ruto and his son have joined the matatu business. As we speak, Ruto has colluded with NTSA and the police to take over stages in Nairobi, and George has begun taking over the industry.
“I also have information that Ruto plans to send other matatu operators back home to reserve so that he and George can become the head of the business not only in Nairobi, but the entire country,” Gachagua claimed.
The former deputy president urged matatu operators, conductors, and other transport stakeholders to rally behind the movement to remove Ruto from office. Gachagua also alleged that the Head of State, along with his family and close associates, controls Pesa Print – the private firm managing payments for the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).
He directly challenged the state’s upcoming regulatory plans, calling on citizens to resist compliance. Gachagua warned that if the government enforces the mandatory inspections, he will orchestrate a week-long motorist strike, arguing that only a peaceful economic shutdown will force the administration to yield.
Additionally, the DCP leader demanded that the government overhaul the current payment platform used for speeding fines.
“The firm called Pesa Print is run by Ruto and his relatives. The issue of the inspection of private vehicles is a means to steal money from car owners. I ask all private motorists not to take their vehicles for inspection,” the ex-DP declared.
Meanwhile, the state is moving forward with its transport reforms. NTSA Director General Nashon Kondiwa announced that vehicle inspections will resume by December, standardizing operations through a new automated system.
Kondiwa explained that the timeline depends on the system’s readiness and the rollout of private inspection hubs. To scale the project, the authority is mapping the country to license 70 private investors to set up and run these centers.
Source: NairobiWire.com | Read the Full Story…
