Police and matatu operators said some of the routes in Nairobi were affected and some vehicles were attacked and damaged in violence that broke out.
Transport was paralysed in Ngong and Ongata Rongai as some matatus plying those routes kept off the road. Operators that ignored the strike were stoned and their vehicles were damaged.
Matatu Owners Association chairman Simon Kimutai said he was aware some operators had called the strike but disowned it.
He said some vehicles had been stoned on Thursday morning along Ngong Road by randy youths who are pushing for the strike.
“Some of our vehicles in operation have been attacked by thugs but I have asked police to protect us. We are against the so called strike,” he said.
He added he had received reports that several other routes were affected.
No injury was reported in the attack that took place near Karen shopping centre.
Traffic headquarters said there were reports some operators in Eldoret had also gone on strike.
Some mini-buses were operating as the operators refused to heed the calls to stop operating.
Stranded commuters opted to walk to the town, even as boda boda operators capitalised on transporting the affected passengers.
In Kisumu, Mombasa and Nakuru business went on as usual.
Matatu Welfare Association (MWA) chairman Simon Mbugua too disowned the strike saying they are engaging the Ministry of Transport to contentious issues are addressed.
Transport minister Amos Kimunya gazetted the law but announced the commencement date will be on Saturday, December 1.
A statement from the Ministry of Transport said the Traffic Police Department is now legally mandated to enforce the new traffic laws.
The law requires and drivers of PSVs to undergo physical and health fitness examination after every three years respectively.
The Traffic (Amendment) Act criminalises drunk driving as it proposes a stiffer penalty for those found guilty of the offence and anyone convicted of the offence will be fined Sh500, 000, a 10-year jail term or both.
The Act comes into effect as the country is still experiencing increasing road accidents, which are largely blamed on reckless driving.
Statistics from the Traffic department indicate at least 2,800 people have died on the roads since January this year.
“A person who, when driving or attempting to drive, or when in charge of a motor vehicle on a road or other public place, is under the influence of drink or a drug to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control of the vehicle, commits an offence and shall be liable, upon conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years, or to a fine not exceeding Sh500, 000, or both,” the law says.
Motorcycle riders will also be required to wear helmets and jackets and provide the same to their passengers.
The law also demands the riders to possess driving licences and contravention of the law will see owners fined Sh10, 000 or jailed for a year or both.
Driving without a licence attracts a tougher penalty as offenders will be jailed for 10 years or fined Sh500, 000 or both.
Police say the harsh law is expected to reduce road accidents, which increase steadily during the festive season.
Source: The Standard Digital
