Katana, one of the matatu touts who was arrested, charged and fined for hanging dangerously on an Matatu last week has opened up on the incident.
In a YouTube interview, Katana said that the government should not criminalize him for endangering his life as well as that of other road users because there is a positive side of his action which is among the unique talents the country has.
“Even if I made a mistake, Even if my actions were bad, there is still something the government could pick from there. That shows the government that many people run to matatus because they can’t steal, they have no jobs, some are learned. Instead of criminalizing me for doing something dangerous, they should pick something from there.
“Abroad, there are people who do stunts with bikes but in Kenya there is no where it is done. There is a lot of street talent. I can do crazy things, if the government can take us and show us the route we can take it will be fine,” he said.
Katana was fined Kshs30,000 after being charged with dangerous riding and lack of uniform while on duty. The matatu driver, who was also arrested, was asked to pay Kshs100,000 while the bus was charged Kshs200,000 because of its shortfalls that were established after being withheld by the police.
Katana however says he is not scared nor does he regret that his stunts could have cost his life.
“I regretted my action at the point that it cost us money,” the father of two said.
The action has however cost him his job since he has been suspended. He added that he is sorry for bringing his driver and other colleagues into the mess. Katana further apologized to Kenyans for his actions.
RELATED: Watch: Reckless Matatu Touts Captured Engaging In ‘Extreme Sport’ On Moving Buses
Â
