Police Headquarters has noted threats by leaders of both the Matatu Owners Association and Matatu Welfare Association that they will call a strike unless, among other outrageous demands, the ongoing police crackdown on unroadworthy and defective motor vehicles is halted.

We are therefore warning them that we have the capacity and resolve to deal with any wayward PSV operators who are under the illusion that they can blackmail the Government so that they continue operating outside the law.

The Kenya Police shall not allow the pursuit of profits to take precedence over the lives of Kenyans.

In this regard, our officers in the field have firm instructions to deal robustly with anyone who attempts to disrupt traffic flow or engages in acts of hooliganism in any part of the country.

It is our position that there shall be no compromise on compliance with the requirements of the law at this time or at any other time.

The crackdown shall therefore continue throughout the country until we are satisfied that all unroadworthy and defective motor vehicles have been removed and safety and sanity has been restored on our roads.

Only vehicles that comply with all the laid down legal requirements will be allowed on our roads.

In the meantime, we are appealing to the public to continue supporting police efforts to make Kenyan roads safe.

(GIDEON M. KIBUNJAH)
FOR: COMMISSIONER OF POLICE

7th September 2006