Public service vehicle operators have announced a nationwide strike beginning Monday, citing a rise in incidents where boda boda riders have allegedly set fire to matatus and other vehicles.
The Matatu Owners Association (MOA), led by chairperson Albert Karakacha, accused the government of failing to hold those responsible to account despite repeated reports to security agencies and transport authorities.
He stated that matatu owners no longer feel protected by the state, adding that their only remaining option is to cease operations.
“Our vehicles have been burned; we have spoken with the police, and we have written to the transport minister, but nothing has happened. Starting Monday, we will pull all vehicles off the roads until the government addresses our concerns,” Karakacha said.
The operators further threatened to take matters into their own hands, accusing the government of failing to secure private property.
Although they claimed they do not intend to take the law into their own hands, they noted that authorities had failed in their duty and hinted at possible retaliatory actions.
“We will bring back men who have been protecting our businesses because the police cannot protect us,” said Karakacha.
Inter-Corridor Mobility chairperson Joseph Kagai added, “We do not want to take the law into our hands, but it appears those who should be protecting us have other priorities.”
“We want to remind boda boda operators that before the matatu industry was formed, there was something called ‘kamjesh’. If the government cannot protect us, wherever a boda rider stops and begins throwing stones at a matatu, all vehicles will stop there and deal with them.”
Kagai warned that the situation was becoming increasingly difficult to manage, adding that the strike would disrupt transportation nationwide.
“The situation is gradually becoming uncontrollable, and we cannot comprehend how the government is losing authority and the security of property for our investors,” Kagai said.
“From Monday, we will ensure that in all major towns, cities, and roundabouts across the country, there will be no traffic movement until the government addresses this issue. Business as usual will cease as we conduct a nationwide strike of all four-wheeled vehicles and above,” he said.
The transport operators also indicated they would seek compensation for owners whose vehicles have been destroyed.
According to the groups, two vehicles – one matatu and one private car – were set alight over the weekend, while at least nine vehicles have been burned in the past six months, with no arrests made.
“Everyone has heard that a truck was torched yesterday, a matatu was torched on Friday, and numerous private vehicles are being burned. Boda boda operators have become the judge, jury, and executioner,” Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) chairperson Peter Murima said.
The groups now want President William Ruto to intervene as all relevant authorities have previously ignored their concerns.
“The only person we will listen to is the President because the NTSA, the CS, and nobody else is listening,” Karakacha said.