MACHAKOS,Kenya, Oct, 8 – The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) alongside police officers in Machakos conducted a crackdown on road unworthy vehicles plying the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway.
According to Machakos Police Commander Issa Mohammed, the operation will seek to punish drivers that have intentionally defied road safety rules this even as a multi agency team embarks on a sensitisation campaign targeting drivers on the busy highway.
“Stop giving bribes to officers, this is what is ruining our country. We are here to serve not to arrest you,” said Mohammed as he urged drivers to observe road safety rules.
According to police statistics, several accidents have been witnessed in recent years along the Mlolongo-Athi River stretch, amidst safety concerns along the highway.
Scores of drivers were arrested and their vehicles impounded temporarily before they were released as drivers were given a two-week ultimatum to address some of the minor issues cited on their vehicles.
“We are warning you and have given you two weeks from now to ensure your car is roadworthy, if we find you have not adhered to the directive we will arrest you and impound your car,” he further said.
Lack of relevant insurance, ferrying excess passengers, worn out tyres, overlapping and speeding are among offences the drivers were deemed to have committed.
Some of the drives however faulted some police officers of harassing them on the road despite adhering to road safety rules.
“Government needs to protect us and not harass us, how can a police officer enter a mama ask for a lift then say the vehicle is being detained? That is harassment,” Said Jimmy Kiragu, driver.
“We may make mistakes we agree, but officers need to do their jobs properly, we are losing a lot f time when they claim to be checking some of the things on vehicles which they claim have problems,” Said John Mugo, driver.
A nationwide operation is currently ongoing.
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