SIAYA: Matatu operators in Siaya town have filed a petition at the Siaya Magistrate’s Court seeking to bar Trans County Shuttle from operating within the region, citing fears of economic displacement and route congestion.

The case was brought before the court by three members of the Matatu Owners Association—Geoffrey Musingo, Simbis Ochieng, and Caroline Ochieng—with the association itself listed as the fourth plaintiff.

They are represented by Ochieng & Company Advocates.

In the suit, the plaintiffs argue that the entry of Trans County Shuttle into the Siaya transport sector will exacerbate congestion on existing routes and unfairly displace local operators, potentially driving them out of business.

“On or about the 14th day of July 2025, the Defendant, operating under the banner of Trans County Shuttle, launched several public service vehicles within Siaya County to ply the Siaya-Bondo-Nyadorera-Usenge-Luanda Kotieno-Ndori-Ukwala and back routes,” reads part of the court filing.

The petitioners further claim that Trans County Shuttle began operations without prior stakeholder engagement, causing confusion and discontent among existing operators.

“The Defendant deliberately, without stakeholder engagement, entered the routes above mentioned, thus causing disruption, confusion, and uproar among public service vehicle operators in the County, with a likelihood to cause chaos,” the suit adds.

They argue that the public service vehicle routes in Siaya County are already saturated, and introducing new operators without proper coordination is not only disruptive but also poses a threat of economic sabotage and anarchy.

The petitioners are now seeking injunctive orders to stop Trans County Shuttle—either directly or through proxies—from operating in the area until the matter is heard and determined.