Matatu operators in Kiambu torch houses of suspected Mungiki adherents

Matatu tension returned to Kiambu on Monday, after matatu crews set ablaze six houses belonging to suspected members of the outlawed Mungiki sect.

The matatu operators blocked personnel from the fire brigade from putting out the fires prompting police officers to move, in a bid to disperse them.

Kiambu DO Isack Masinde said several matatu operators who were armed with machetes and other crude weapons were arrested in the crackdown.

The protest followed alleged harassment by members of the outlawed sect.

The clashes between the operators and Mungiki became increasingly hostile mid-March when virtually all matatu operators on the Kiambu- Thika- Nairobi routes grounded their vehicles.

This was done to protest illicit fees charged to them by the sect and what operators termed as ‘police laxity’ in searching for a matatu crew member who was allegedly abducted by sect members.

A special police unit was set up to deal decisively with Mungiki, whose activities had previously paralyzed transport in Kiambu, Thika and parts of Nairobi.

The unit consists of officers from the dreaded General Service Unit (GSU), regular and Administration Police, who will carry out regular patrols on the affected routes.

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