Eldoret Matatu Driver Fired for Ejecting Disabled Passenger Over Refusal to Overload
I boarded this Chep Sacco matatu at around 1:00 p.m. today. The vehicle was already full, but they insisted on bringing in ‘sambaza’ seats. Due to my disability and my seating position, it was impossible for four of us to fit on a three-seater,” she wrote. “After I explained my situation to the matatu crew, the driver callously told the conductor, ‘Shukisha yeye kama hataki kusongea watu’
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A matatu driver with Chep Sacco, a prominent transport company operating town services between Eldoret Town and Eldoret University, has been dismissed after a shocking incident where he allegedly forced a disabled passenger to alight for not agreeing to the overloading of an already full vehicle.
The incident, which has sparked outrage among local residents and advocacy groups, occurred when the matatu, already filled to capacity, attempted to add more passengers by introducing “sambaza” seats. The disabled passenger, a teacher who regularly uses the route, recounted her distressing ordeal on social media, where she detailed the events that led to her being forced out of the vehicle.
“Good afternoon, members. I boarded this Chep Sacco matatu at around 1:00 p.m. today. The vehicle was already full, but they insisted on bringing in ‘sambaza’ seats. Due to my disability and my seating position, it was impossible for four of us to fit on a three-seater,” she wrote. “After I explained my situation to the matatu crew, the driver callously told the conductor, ‘Shukisha yeye kama hataki kusongea watu’ (Make her alight if she doesn’t want to make space for others). That’s how it happened—I was forced to get off. Is this fair?”
Her post quickly went viral, drawing the attention of Eldoret-based human rights activists and the Uasin Gishu Civil Society Network. Outraged by the driver’s actions and the Sacco’s apparent disregard for the rights of passengers, particularly those with disabilities, members of the network swiftly organized a crisis meeting with the Sacco’s management and local police.
The meeting resulted in immediate action: the driver of the vehicle, identified by its registration number KAP 142H, was dismissed from his position. The teacher, who was visibly shaken by the ordeal, decided to withdraw her formal complaint against the Sacco following the disciplinary action. However, she revealed that this was not her first experience of such humiliation; it was, in fact, the third time she had faced mistreatment from the same Sacco.
“This behavior is not only discriminatory but also dehumanizing,” she said during the meeting. “I hope this action sends a clear message that such conduct will not be tolerated.”
The incident has brought to light broader issues concerning the conduct of Chep Sacco’s operations in Eldoret Town. Many residents have raised concerns about the aggressive and often unruly behavior of the Sacco’s touts. Commuters frequently report harassment and are often coerced into boarding Chep Sacco vehicles, even when they prefer to use other means of transport. Some have been forced to walk long distances to avoid the confrontational tactics employed by Chep Sacco touts, who are stationed from the main stage to outside the Kipchoge Keino Stadium. In several instances, these touts have been observed throwing stones at other vehicles that pick up passengers along the route.
Furthermore, there are growing complaints about the poor condition of Chep Sacco’s vehicles, which are reportedly often involved in traffic accidents. Local residents allege that the Sacco has managed to continue its operations through the route by bribing police officers and operating with impunity.
These concerns have surfaced at a critical time for Eldoret Municipality, which has recently been conferred with city status. Despite this new designation, Eldoret continues to lack a modern and efficient public transport system. Many residents are now urging the county government to establish a proper and safe transport service within the new city to ensure the safety and dignity of all passengers, particularly the most vulnerable.
“This incident should be a wake-up call for the authorities,” said a local human rights activist. “We cannot achieve the vision of a modern city if we continue to tolerate such archaic and abusive practices in our public transport sector.”
As Eldoret continues to grow and develop, the call for improved public transport services becomes even more pressing. The hope is that incidents like this will drive positive change and lead to a more inclusive, respectful, and modern transportation system for all residents.
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Shame on Eldoret Matatu SACCOS. They just overload with impunity.