The Director General of the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), Dr. Andrew Kiplagat, has pleaded with the court not to hold him in contempt or commit him to civil jail following a legal challenge brought by matatu owners. The dispute centers around a group of matatu owners whose vehicles were impounded and whose number plates were confiscated by NTSA. These matatu owners have now requested that the court cite Dr. Kiplagat for defying a court order that mandated the return of the confiscated plates.
The owners, through their legal representatives, Danstan Omari and Shadrack Wambui, have filed a contempt of court application, claiming that Dr. Kiplagat has not complied with the court’s directive to release the number plates. They are seeking to have Kiplagat committed to six months in civil jail for his alleged defiance.
In response to the accusations, Dr. Kiplagat maintains that the NTSA has fully complied with the court’s order. He insists that all confiscated number plates have already been returned, including those from four additional vehicles that were not initially listed in the case proceedings.
In his affidavit, Kiplagat states, ‘The director of NTSA has released all the petitioners’ identification plates in its possession.’ He further argues that the matatu owners have not presented any evidence to prove that his actions were intentional or constituted deliberate disobedience of the court’s ruling.
Dr. Kiplagat has reiterated that NTSA remains fully committed to adhering to court orders, and he believes the contempt application against him should be dismissed. He adds, ‘The petitioners have not provided any basis or foundation for the orders they seek. The notice of motion application dated February 4, 2025, should be dismissed.’ Additionally, Kiplagat has contested the petitioners’ claim that NTSA impounded 31 vehicles, clarifying that only 24 vehicles had their identification plates removed.
