Matatu Operators Announce Nationwide Strike Monday Over Vehicle Torchings
Kenyan matatu operators have declared a nationwide shutdown of their services starting Monday, protesting a wave of vehicle torchings they blame on boda boda riders and what they describe as government inaction.
Leaders from key transport associations announced the industrial action, warning it will pull all four-wheeled vehicles and larger PSVs off the roads across the country. The move is expected to severely disrupt public transport in major cities, towns, and key routes.
The decision follows a string of arson attacks, including two vehicles—one matatu and one private car—set ablaze over the recent weekend. Operators claim at least nine vehicles have been burned in similar incidents over the past six months, with perpetrators facing no arrests or prosecution.
Albert Karakacha, chairperson of the Matatu Owners Association (MOA), expressed deep frustration: “Our vehicles have been burned; we talked to the police, we have written to the transport minister and nothing has happened. From Monday, we will withdraw all vehicles from the roads until the government listens to us.”
He added that operators may recall former security personnel to safeguard their businesses, as police protection has proven inadequate. Karakacha stressed that only President William Ruto's direct intervention would resolve the standoff, dismissing responses from the NTSA and the Transport Cabinet Secretary as ineffective.
Joseph Kagai, chair of Inter-Corridor Mobility, echoed the sentiment, criticizing authorities for allowing lawlessness to escalate. “We don’t want to take the law into our own hands, but it seems those supposed to protect us have other businesses,” he said. He cautioned boda boda riders against further provocations, hinting at potential widespread retaliation if the government fails to act, and warned that major intersections and roundabouts could see total blockages until demands are met.
Peter Murima of the Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) highlighted the pattern: “Everyone has heard that a truck was torched yesterday, a matatu was torched on Friday, and many private vehicles are being burned. Boda boda operators have become the judge, jury and executioner.”
The groups are demanding immediate government action to apprehend those responsible for the attacks, provide security for private property, and compensate affected owners. They accuse the state of neglecting its duty to protect investors in the transport sector.
The strike comes amid ongoing tensions between matatu and boda boda operators, often sparked by road accidents where riders have responded with mob justice, including setting vehicles on fire. No immediate comment from government officials or boda boda representatives was noted in the announcement.
This escalation threatens to bring commuter chaos nationwide, with operators vowing “no business as usual” until their grievances are addressed.
