EMMANUEL WEKESA
Public transport operations were brought to a standstill on Monday morning in Embu, Chuka, Nyahururu, and Thika as angry protesters flooded the streets to demonstrate against the rising fuel prices and the increasing cost of living in Kenya. The protests caused major disruptions, with demonstrators lighting bonfires along key roads and forcing matatu operators to suspend services as tensions escalated in several towns. Police officers were deployed to disperse crowds and restore normalcy in affected areas.
Protests Over Fuel Price Hikes Disrupt Transport Sector
The demonstrations sparked fear among public service vehicle operators, many of whom opted to withdraw their vehicles from the roads to avoid destruction and attacks. Speaking during the unrest, Abraham Gicovi, the chairman of the Embu Matatu Owners Association, clarified that the matatu industry was not directly involved in organizing the protests. However, he explained that operators had no choice but to halt operations after protesters started lighting fires on roads and blocking transport routes.
Gicovi stated that the safety of passengers and vehicles was their top priority, adding that there were fears some matatus could be vandalized or burned during the protests. Despite distancing themselves from the demonstrations, matatu operators expressed support for Kenyans demanding action from the government over the continued rise in fuel prices, high transport costs, and the harsh economic situation affecting ordinary citizens.
Residents in the affected towns also voiced mixed reactions during the protests. While many supported peaceful demonstrations against the fuel price increases and the high cost of living, others condemned incidents where motorists were allegedly attacked and vehicles stoned by sections of the protesters. Business activities in several towns slowed down significantly as commuters struggled to access transport services.
The latest protests come only days after public transport operators officially called off a nationwide strike following negotiations with President William Ruto at State House in Mombasa. The strike had earlier paralyzed businesses across Kenya after a two-day transport shutdown. Operators had suspended the industrial action on May 19 for seven days to pave the way for dialogue with the government regarding reforms in the public transport sector and concerns over fuel costs.
Federation of Public Transport Sector (FPTS) chairperson Edwins Mukabanah confirmed that the strike had now been fully called off in the interest of economic stability. Mukabanah said transport operators were optimistic after promises made by the government, including plans for electric vehicles, insurance reforms, and measures concerning auctioneering. He urged Kenyans to remain patient, emphasizing that cooperation between the government, transport operators, and the public was necessary to stabilize the economy and improve the transport sector.
