The re-routing done by the county government earlier was for the Africities conference, according to Bob Andala, chairman of the Matatu Owners Association Kisumu chapter.
Andala stated that they expected to be able to return to their regular routes following the conference, but the county government has refused.
Previously, automobiles were permitted to travel Jomo Kenyatta Highway until it reached Angawa Avenue.
Motorists were not allowed to use the street at the start of the Africities conference, thus they ended up at Partel’s Flat, over two kilometers distant from their regular destination.
Andala indicated that they have suffered a financial loss and are unable to utilise the new routes.
“Our members have been directed to park their vehicles until the county sorts out the issue,” he said.
He said that their plea to Governor Anyang Nyong’o to allow them back to the city routes has fallen on deaf ears.
“I call for peace among the motorists, let’s keep off the road until this matter is address exhaustively,” he said.
However, some motorists were preventing public service vehicles from entering town via the Kakamega and Eldoret highways.
This led police officers to rush in and assist these PSVs in getting to the bus terminal near the town center.
The town service trucks would not be allowed to return to their previous routes, according to Kisumu City Acting Manager Abala Wanga.
This, he claimed, was to alleviate traffic congestion and snarl-ups seen at the Kisumu Boys Roundabout on occasion.
The removal of town service trucks took many people off guard, particularly students on their way to school.
In the meanwhile, Andala recommended those who used matatus to look for other options.
“Let them use boda bodas or tuk tuks,” he said.