By John Kariuki
In a move that underscores its commitment to safeguarding the welfare of its members, the Matatu Owners Association (MOA), under the visionary leadership of President Albert Karakacha, has unveiled a comprehensive strategy to tackle the persistent challenges posed by rogue auctioneers and lawyers.
For years, Matatu owners have faced an uphill battle against unscrupulous individuals and firms that have exploited legal loopholes to auction their vehicles, often under dubious claims. This has not only deprived them of their primary source of livelihood but also left many owners emotionally and financially devastated, with some even ending up in hospitals due to the stress and trauma caused by these actions.
President Karakacha, known for his proactive and results-oriented leadership, has taken it upon himself to lead this initiative. Speaking on behalf of the association, he emphasized the urgent need to restore fairness and justice in the sector.
“We cannot stand by as our members are driven to despair by unethical practices. These vehicles are not just assets; they represent the hard work, sacrifices, and dreams of our members. We are here to protect them,” said Karakacha.
The new measures by the MOA include setting up a legal aid fund to ensure members have access to quality representation against rogue claims, engaging law enforcement agencies to crack down on fraudulent practices in the sector, and rolling out educational programs to empower members with knowledge about their rights and how to safeguard their investments. Additionally, the association is lobbying for stricter regulations to hold auctioneers and lawyers accountable for unethical conduct.
This bold initiative has been widely lauded by stakeholders in the transport sector, who see it as a long-overdue step towards addressing a critical issue. By addressing the root causes of these challenges, the MOA hopes to create a fair and conducive environment for its members to thrive.
The association calls on all stakeholders, including government agencies, financial institutions, and the judiciary, to support this initiative and ensure that justice prevails for Matatu owners across the country.
With President Karakacha at the helm, the Matatu Owners Association has set a new standard for leadership in the sector, proving that with determination and unity, even the most daunting challenges can be overcome.