Police probe fake court order allowing matatu back to CBD

Police in Nakuru have launched investigations into alleged forgery of a court order, that directed the return of matatus to the town’s central business district (CBD). 

The probe was instituted after it came to light that a magistrate’s court order had allegedly been forged and the directive allowing matatus back to CBD included.

Nakuru Youth Chairman Daniel Kimani had lodged a case against the county government, seeking to have matatus returned to town, decrying loss of income.

His application, which had been marked as urgent, sought to compel the devolved unit to stop the current construction of a matatu terminus. 

Senior Resident Magistrate Daisy Mosse in her ruling on Friday, temporarily stopped the construction of the new terminus and directed an inter-partes hearing tomorrow. 

However, the order in possession of matatu officials had a fifth segment directing that they be allowed back to the CBD pending hearing and determination of the case. 

As at yesterday, detectives were keen on establishing the authenticity of the document matatu officials widely distributed among its members. 

Different font

The alleged fake order had the magistrate’s signature, which is claimed to be fake. It also has a different font face and type compared with the original one from court. 

“We have since learnt that detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) detectives are set to take up the matter under serious crimes.  

Petitioner Kimani was yesterday at the Nakuru Central Police Station as officers were trying to establish who served the fake order,” Central Rift Matatu Owners Association (MOA) chairman Stephen Muli said. 

Speaking outside the station, matatu officials maintained that the said order was genuine vowing to continue with their resolve to get back in town. 

Stephen Muli said they are law-abiding citizens adding that the same is a serious offence and those culpable should be prosecuted. 

“We cannot be taken for a ride and accused of being criminals. We have held meetings with investigators and the same will be handled appropriately,” said Muli. 

Governor Lee Kinyanjui raised concern with the court, as the orders issued to his office did not authorise matatus to be allowed back to the CBD. 

The governor said it was unfortunate that someone would use a forged document to fulfill their own selfish attempts. 

“We urge DCI to investigate the matter and bring those culpable to book,” he said.