Agnes Macharia, the owner of the Gikomba-Kayole route matatu, says she doesn’t want similar fate to befall hardworking Kenyans in the name of politics. “It is me today and it could be someone else tomorrow.”/FILE
NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 9 – The owner of a Public Service Vehicle that was torched during last Monday’s anti-IEBC protests says she expects an end to the mayhem to ensure an end to loss of life and destruction of property.
Agnes Macharia, the owner of the Gikomba-Kayole route matatu, says she doesn’t want similar fate to befall hardworking Kenyans in the name of politics. “It is me today and it could be someone else tomorrow.”
She is calling on leaders across the political divide to come to an agreement and stop the demonstrations.
The mother of two says the matatu was her only investment and the source of daily income.
“I’m confused… where will I start from?” a visibly sad Macharia wondered, though aware there was no answer that was forthcoming.
The matatu owners association (MOA) took the burnt vehicle to Raila Odinga’s Capitol Hill offices as a show of disapproval of the demonstrations but there was no response from anyone there.
It is an investment she made from proceeds of a loan, which she is yet to repay.
“I borrowed Sh2.3 million to help me buy this vehicle and I’m lucky I had money to pay this month’s due, though I do not know what will be of next month,” said Macharia.
She is pleading the government and any willing well wishers to help he get another matatu as it was her only source of income and she had not finished paying its loan.
“If there is a way Raila (Odinga), Uhuru (Kenyatta) or any well wishers can help me buy another vehicle, I would really appreciate so that I can continue living my normal life,” said Macharia.
The matatu was not insured against riots.
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