However, the police warned the striking matatu operators that they will not entertain disruption of public transport.
Nairobi Provincial Police Officer Moses Nyakwama told Capital FM News that 50 drivers and conductors had been arrested in Nairobi and would be in court on Friday to answer to charges of robbery.
“We are going to charge them with nothing else but charges of robbery. We have arrested people from Ongata Rongai, Kasarani, Kilimani, Langata and Kamukunji, they will be going to court tomorrow,” he asserted.
He told them if they wanted to strike, they should not park their vehicles on public streets.
“The roads remain open to all Kenyans. But those who are striking should look for elsewhere to park their vehicles. There has been a problem, we have few vehicles on the road, but the problem is that you cannot force someone to take his or her car to the road. But I can tell you we will deal with any people blocking the roads,” he warned.
The Traffic Amendment Act 2012 provides stiffer penalties for offenders and introduces other regulations to curb road accidents caused by human error.
According to the law, drink driving will attract 10 years in jail or a fine of Sh500,000 or even both.
Motorists who drive on pavements or pedestrian walkways will be jailed for three months or a fine of Sh30,000 or both.
Reckless and dangerous driving will attract a Sh100,000 fine or two years in jail, for first offender.
The new laws also stipulate that all drivers of public service vehicles and commercial vehicles will be required to undergo physical fitness, eye and hearing testing after every three years to qualify for a renewal of their driving licenses.
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