By Etale Martha
Despite the cessation of movement in and out of the red zone areas of Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos, Kajiado, and Nakuru, Kenyans are still sneaking in and out of the red zoned areas.
Inspector General of police Hilary Mutyambai, last week mounted 33 roadblocks around the 5 counties hoping to stop all forms of movement.
“These roadblocks will be manned day and night to ensure compliance of non-movement into and out of the zoned areas,” said Mr. Mutyambai.
Matatu operators, Boda Bodas, and corrupt police officers are now working as a team Turning the president’s speech into a cash cow.
Business is booming in Nairobi’s roads of Latema, Mfangano, Tsavo, and Taveta. The business has been taken by the new vehicles of choice, Toyota Voxies, and Noahs.
At Latema operators are charge 3000 traveling to Kisumu. Tsavo and Kenneth Matiba roads are set for Tharaka Nithi in which passengers pay 1500 instead of the usual 400.Mfangano street is a new termini for Kericho travelers.
Even though it is risky and expensive, the victims claim they have no option. “It is expensive because of the roadblocks. You have to part with cash at every stop, out of Ksh 3000, Ksh 1000 will go to the police.” One of the operations said.
Operators drop their passengers some few kilometers before the roadblocks, ushering the passengers to the bodaboda operators. Using panya routs they are taken to a safer side to continue with the journey.
Kenyans stand by the saying, “rules were made to be broken.” Locking down the 5 counties, especially Nairobi broke the hearts of many Kenyans mainly business operators dependents of the city.