Nairobi, Kenya – Public service vehicle operators have announced a nationwide strike starting Monday, citing a surge in incidents where boda boda riders have allegedly torched matatus and other vehicles. The move threatens to paralyse transport across the country, underscoring growing tensions between matatu operators and boda boda riders.
Operators Demand Action
The Matatu Owners Association (MOA), led by chairperson Albert Karakacha, accused the government of failing to hold perpetrators accountable despite repeated reports to security agencies and transport authorities.
“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,” Karakacha said.
He added that matatu owners no longer feel protected by the state, leaving them with no option but to down tools.
Threats of Retaliation
While operators insisted they were not seeking to take the law into their own hands, they warned of possible retaliatory actions if authorities fail to act.
“We will bring back boys who have been manning our businesses because the police cannot protect us,” Karakacha said.
Joseph Kagai, chairperson of Inter-Corridor Mobility, echoed the frustration, warning that the situation was becoming increasingly difficult to control.
“We don’t want to take the law into our hands, but it seems those supposed to protect us have other businesses. If the government is not able to protect us, anywhere a boda rider will stop and start stoning a matatu, all vehicles will stop there and deal with them,” Kagai said.
Escalating Violence
According to the groups, at least nine vehicles have been torched in the past six months, with no arrests made. Over the weekend, one matatu and one private car were destroyed, while a truck was reportedly set ablaze just days earlier.
Peter Murima, chairperson of the Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK), condemned the attacks:
“Boda boda operators have become the judge, jury and executioner,” he said.
Nationwide Paralysis Expected
Kagai warned that the strike would disrupt transport in all major towns, cities, and roundabouts across the country.
“From Monday, we will make sure that in all major towns, cities and roundabouts in the country, there will be no passing until the government addresses this. There will be no business as usual since we will be carrying out a countrywide strike of any four-wheeled vehicle and above,” he said.
The operators also vowed to demand compensation for owners whose vehicles have been destroyed.
Appeal to the President
The groups have called on President William Ruto to intervene, saying all other relevant authorities have ignored their pleas.
“The only person we are going to listen to is the President because the NTSA, the CS nobody is listening,” Karakacha said.
Conclusion
With tensions escalating and operators threatening to withdraw services nationwide, Kenya faces the prospect of a major transport crisis. The strike highlights broader concerns about security, accountability, and the protection of private property, issues that now demand urgent government attention.
