100 vehicles impounded for flouting COVID-19 Guidelines in Kiambu

KIAMBU, Kenya, Nov 1 – Security agencies in Kiambu Sunday conducted an operation targeting motorists flouting the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 guidelines, in the wake of a new infection wave.

The operation saw 100 private and public service vehicles impounded.

Drivers and conductors were released on cash bail and are set to be arraigned on Monday.

Kiambu Police Boss Ali Nuno who oversaw the operation called on motorists and passengers to respect the Ministry of Health guidelines, saying stating the COVID-19 virus remains a threat now more than ever.

“Some drives don’t have a certificate of compliance. This is only valid for 30 days. The vehicles haven’t met the validity test. Some of these vehicles were last inspected in April, May, July We cannot allow them to operate,” the Kiambu Police Boss.

Nuno said that the county security council agreed that the law must totally be respected and implemented.

He said anyone found in violation of the guidelines will be dealt with, within the confines of the law.

Hundreds of passengers were released during the operation and advised to seek alternative means of transport as they were refunded their money.

“Passengers would rather be inconvenienced than get infected with the coronavirus disease. You do not know the status of the person you are sitting with,” Nuno said.

Drivers and conductors were released on a cash bail of Sh3,000.

Their vehicles remain impounded at the Thika East sub-county offices.

The disgruntled Matatu operators have however expressed their dissatisfaction with the operation, saying that they had complied with all health directives.

“We get compliance certificates from the Ministry of Health and though they have expired, we were told we can still use them,” a Matatu operator who did want to be named said.

Public service vehicles are only allowed to carry 60 percent of passengers according to the Ministry of Health regulations, in a bid to maintain social distance.

Police say the operation is set to be extended in other public places like bars and restaurants.