Matatu operators claim that their Monday protests will continue until the government finally decides to sit and talk.
During a Monday press briefing, chair of the Matatu Owners Association Albert Karagacha, stated that they will be back on the roads on Monday, February 9. He claimed that the planned protest will continue until they get a solution to their problems. According to Karagacha, they feel that the government is ignoring growing cases of violence and lawlessness, especially against boda bodas.
“We’ll be back out there on Monday. We’re sorry to inconvenience our passengers, but we’re fighting for your safety as well. When a matatu is attacked or burned with passengers on board, lives are at stake.”
He claimed that they want to sit and talk with President Ruto and that they want to agree on ways to improve security and safety on the roads.
“If there are no talks, the strikes will continue every Monday. We want to sit down with the President himself and find a solution.”
It is worth noting that the strike was initially announced on January 28. The strike was a result of failure by the government to protect public transport operators from violent attacks by citizens. They also accused the government of failing to act against police officers who were arresting and confiscating vehicles from operators who participated in the strike while turning a blind eye to operators whose vehicles were vandalized and burned by protesters.
The matatu owner said that the protests have already sent a message and that:
“Today, we can say it’s about 70 percent successful. This is just the start. After 13 years without a public transport strike, we’re back until our voices are heard.”
Today on Monday, there was a traffic jam in parts of Nairobi as matatus blocked major roads like Thika Super Highway and Waiyaki Way. The police moved in to restore order, and several vehicles were towed, with their number plates removed in the Nairobi Central Business District.
The Motorists Association of Kenya earlier said that transport workers, truck drivers, and private car owners would join the strike in solidarity with the matatus.
