Mount Kenya Matatu operators Chairman Michael Kariuki has commended traffic personnel attached to Ruaraka Police station for ensuring order at Alsops roundabout.
He said matatus used to drop and pick passengers in the middle of the road but the situation changed few months ago.
“Police from Ruaraka have come in handy to restore order both at Kariobangi and Alsops Roundabouts.” He said when contacted on phone.
He said the disorderliness was caused by cartels who were operating an illegal matatu terminus under the mega footbridge at Alsops.
“Today all operators are operating inside the designated terminus. This has angered some players who benefited from the lack of order.” he said.
Kariuki said he has instructed all his operators to observe traffic laws and be courteous to passengers, traffic personnel and other motorists.
Officer incharge of traffic at Ruaraka police station only identified as Muchiri declined to comment as he said he is not allowed to address the media.
Joseph Mwangi a matatu driver who has been operating from Kariobangi to Thika for the last two years echoed Kariuki’s sentiments.
“I used to wait for long hours before getting passengers since there were some individuals running a private terminus under the footbridge at Alsops.” he said.
Speaking on phone Nairobi Police Chief Adamson Bungei,said crime rate has dropped drastically in Ruaraka particularly both at Alsops and Kariobangi Roundabouts.
He attributed the trend to order at both spots after disbanding cartels that used to control the two sections.
“I want to commend the members of the public for partnering with police officers to fight crime in Ruaraka.” he said.
Nairobi traffic boss Vitalis Otieno confirmed that there were no longer artificial traffic snarl ups that were occasioned by picking of passengers from undesignated areas.
“The first assignment for my officers was to dismantle the illegal terminus under the Alsops footbridge.”he said.
He warned that any matatus picking and dropping passengers from undesignated areas in Ruaraka and Nairobi in general will be dealt with as per the law.