Motorists, politicians laud move to ban mobile traffic courts

Nyanza, Kenya: Motorists in Nyanza are breathing a sigh of relief following the suspension of mobile traffic courts as local politicians laud the move.

Nyando MP Fred Outa and his Kisumu Central counterpart, Ken Obura said the suspension was long overdue, arguing that the courts were used to extort money from motorists.

Outa said delays at the courts were making it difficult for traders to do business which was negatively impacting the economy.

"The suspension is good but they should be abolished altogether since they are of no good use to the people of Kenya," Outa said.

He said the traffic police used the courts to harass innocent motorists and pedestrians thereby abusing the intended purpose of the courts.

"The Government introduced the courts to reduce accidents, not to cause misery to the public," Outa said.

Obura claimed the highest number of mobile traffic courts was in Nyanza and that they were only used to fleece the locals.

"The mobile courts were meant to help us yet they have been turned into cash cows for a few individuals," alleged Obura.

Kisumu Matatu Owners Association Chairman Bob Andala said the mobile courts had affected their business.

"They imposed exorbitant fines and humiliated motorists; we are happy that they have been suspended," he said.

PUBLIC UPROAR

Andala said the mobile courts could impose fines of up to Sh30, 000, much more than Magistrate Courts which usually fine petty traffic offenders Sh5, 000.

On Monday, Chief Justice Willy Mutunga suspended the mobile traffic courts following public uproar to allow the judiciary to respond to the outcry.

The move was however a blow to the National Transport and Safety Authority, which recently reported significant benefits of the 'Safety First' campaign with reduced fatalities on Kenyan roads.

Mr Michael Ouma who plies the Kisumu-Migori route said he had spent a night in a police cell for forgetting his driving license at home. He is very happy about the suspension.

"It was humiliating because they would force us to give them bribes and take us to court if we failed to give them money," he said.

In Kisumu, the mobile courts were set up at strategic entry points and were aimed at reducing road accidents as magistrates administered instant justice to traffic offenders.

However, motorists protested their presence. Some politicians had even warned that residents would force the eviction of the mobile courts over claims that they were used to solicit bribes.

In the latest protest in Kisii, anti-riot police were called in to disperse demonstrators. The same had been witnessed at Kisian junction along the Kisumu-Busia road and in Ahero.