Matatu operators to down tools on Monday, cite torchings by Boda Boda riders

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 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 said matatu owners no longer felt protected by the state, adding that their only remaining option was to down tools.

“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.

The operators further threatened to take the law into their own hands, accusing the government of failing to secure private property.

“We will bring back boys who have been manning our businesses because the police cannot protect us," said Karakacha.

“We want to remind boda boda people that before the formation of the matatu industry, we had something called ‘kamjesh’. 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 warned that the situation was becoming increasingly difficult to control, adding that the strike would paralyse transport across the country.

“The situation is slowly becoming uncontrollable, and we don’t understand how the government is losing authority and security of property of our investors,” Kagai said.

“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 transport operators said they would also demand compensation for owners whose vehicles have been destroyed.

According to the groups, two vehicles — one matatu and one private car — were torched 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 many 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 since all the relevant authorities have, in the past, turned a deaf ear.

The only person we are going to listen to is the President because the NTSA, the CS — nobody is listening,” Karagkacha said.