Transport activities in Nandi were paralyzed for hours following an inspection carried out by municipal officers on tax payment. The inspection was targeting vehicles, a move that forced matatu operators to down their tools and block the Kapsabet-Eldoret highway, forcing other commuters to use other alternative routes.
According to the municipal officers, some of the matatu operators had not paid tax for two months and were still operating, and the officers were just doing their work.
But according to the matatu operators, Nandi County Governor Dr Cleophas Lagat had directed them not to pay the tax until the Kapsabet stage is refurbished to accommodate their vehicles, and they wanted a clear explanation concerning the matter.
The County government of Nandi has been setting aside funds for the project, but till today the stage has not been renovated.
Kapsabet ward Member of County Assembly Fredrick Kipkemboi and the Chair of Matatu Sacco in Nandi intervened and urged the operators to clear the highway, adding that their grievances will be sorted. They urged them not to pay anything until the matter is resolved, given that it was a directive from the Governor.