A section of Nairobi matatu operators has accused county officials of unfairly targeting them in a move to eject Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) operating from selected petrol stations within the city.
The affected groups, Nnus Shuttle, Prestige Sacco, KAM Sacco, Kinatwa Sacco, Makos, Kamuna Sacco, Kangema Sacco, Inter County, Muna Sacco, Kigumo T Sacco, GTS Supreme Sacco and Transline Classic, claim that the decision to remove them is not only discriminatory but also motivated by corruption and political bias.
According to the Saccos, they are being punished for refusing to bribe county officials, despite operating lawfully and without incident. They argue that while over 30 petrol stations across the country are used as matatu terminuses, only three have been targeted in the latest enforcement operation.
“This is a clear case of selective application of the law,” one Sacco representative said. “If the county truly believes operating from petrol stations is illegal, why have they only picked a few to harass?”
The Saccos maintain that their operations pose no threat to public safety, insisting that they only allow one vehicle at a time into the petrol station premises, a system that has worked efficiently for years. They also note that no accidents or safety incidents have been recorded in any of the mentioned stations.
The groups further argue that there are no viable alternative spaces for their vehicles, as the Green Park Terminus, Bus Station, and other designated areas are already full. They say that without alternative arrangements, thousands of commuters who depend on their services will be left stranded.
“We are not against order or regulation,” another official added. “But the County Government must be fair and transparent. You cannot evict us without providing a solution.”
The operators now want the High Court to dismiss a petition seeking to stop PSVs from operating within petrol stations, terming it as ill-intentioned and procedurally flawed. They have also accused the petitioners of acting on behalf of private fuel dealers and influential county insiders pursuing personal interests under the guise of public safety.
In their court filings, the Saccos argue that they have been denied fair administrative action, claiming that the county issued no prior notice, hearing, or official communication before moving to eject them, actions they say violate Article 47 of the Constitution.
They are now urging the court to restrain the county from evicting them until fair consultations are held and safe, accessible alternative termini are provided.
The petition was filed by Ezekiel Oyugi and others, who want the court to issue mandatory orders compelling PSVs operating in petrol stations, including Ola Energy (Afya Centre), Total Energies (Rhino), and Ola Energy (OTC) — to cease operations immediately.
Justice L. N. Mugambi has directed that the petition be served within seven days and responses filed within fourteen days. The matter will be mentioned on January 26, 2026, for further directions.
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