Naivasha residents put aside their differences to rescue a matatu driver fined Sh300,000 for a traffic offence last week.
In a record two hours and led by local leaders, the residents raised the fine paving way for the release of one Paul Mwaniki who has been in prison for the last week.
The residents lashed out at the Kasese matatu sacco that employed the 23-year-old driver for failing to stand with him and instead arresting and handing him over to police.
Trouble started last year when the driver caused a fatal accident along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway and was out on bond before his employer reportedly decided to forcibly arrest and hand him over to Tigoni police station.
Lakeview MCA Alex Mbugua took issue with how the driver was arrested and charged in court where he was jailed for three years or a fine of Sh300,000.
“There was a difference between the driver and the sacco leaders who used their connections to have him charged but we are glad Naivasha residents have come to his rescue,” he said.
His Viwandani counterpart Mwangi Muraya noted that the management of the sacco in question had many questions around it and those of their drivers.
“Many of these drivers are living under fear from their bosses and we shall discuss the matter in the assembly and take the necessary action against this sacco,” he said.
The driver's father Samuel Mwaniki narrated how he received a call from the owner of the sacco informing that he had taken his son to the police station.
He said that previously, the son and the sacco owner had differed over some driving badges before he was bundled in his car and whisked to Tigoni.
“We tried to engage the sacco owner but he ignored us, we are a poor family who cannot be able to raise the Sh300,000 fine,” he said.
Another leader Edward Maina condemned the arrest and jailing of the driver saying they will seek judicial review of the case once the father of one is released from jail.
The chairman of the Sacco Stephen Mungai defended his actions saying he personally drove the driver to the police station after standing bond for him for months.
“I informed the parents after police directed that he reports to the police station and it’s the court that fined him for dangerous driving that led to the death of one person,” he said.
-Edited by SKanyara