Matatu Driver Arrested After Charging Police Fare

A matatu driver operating in Nairobi was arrested on Tuesday, September 26, for charging a police officer fare.

The incident occurred at Kenyatta National Hospital Police Station along Ngong Road, when the police officer boarded the matatu and asked for a ride to his destination.

According to eyewitnesses, the conductor told the officer who was reportedly in civilian uniform to pay the fare like other passengers, but he declined.

The public service vehicle was transporting passengers from Wanye estate to Nairobi on Ngong Road when the confrontation occured.

Verbal exchanges ensued leading to a confrontation, forcing the officer to call for back up from his colleagues at Kenyatta National Hospital Police Station.

“The officer refused to pay, saying that police officers are exempt from paying fares when using public transportation. 

“The conductor argued that the officer was not in uniform and therefore did not qualify for the exemption,” a witness told the media.

It was reported that the officer was soon reinforced by a police patrol car that happened to be passing by at the time of the confrontation.

Consequently, passengers who had joined in the confrontation were forced to retreat when more officers swamped the place and began apprehending some at the scene.

“The conductor explained his side of the story, but the police officers sided with their colleague,” a Ghetto Radio reporter who spoke to a local media house explained.

However, the matatu conductor escaped, leaving behind the driver who was arrested and dragged on the ground as members of the public watched.  

A video circulating online depicted the driver crying and pleading for help as more officers kept the angry mob at bay.

The officers also harassed journalists covering the episode. The officers demanded the reporters to delete the recordings before letting them off the hook.