Matatu Operators Set New Date For Nationwide Strike After Monday Chaos
Matatu operators have announced that they will return to the streets on Monday, February 9, to protest the government’s refusal to address the growing incidences of lawlessness among boda boda operators.
In a press event on Monday, Matatu Owners Association President Albert Karagacha stated that the matatu owners will not back down until President William Ruto decides to talk with them.
Karagacha has stated that the walkout will take place every Monday, as their issues have gone unresolved.
“We will be back in the streets on Monday, and we want to tell our passengers that we are very sorry,” Karagacha said.
Matatu Strike every Monday terrible. pic.twitter.com/IDzNXyZ2cc
— Makau F. Mully (@MakauWaMuli) February 2, 2026
“But we are trying to battle for your rights because you also know very well that if the vehicle is burnt and it has passengers, all of them might perish.”
“We want to talk to the president himself, because if there are no negotiations, the strike will happen every Monday,” he added.
The owners have stated that working with the president will be critical in developing the appropriate security strategies to prevent property damage and improve road safety around the country.
The operators launched the statewide strike on January 28, citing the government’s unwillingness to resolve antagonism toward public transportation providers.
PSV owners also lambasted the police for illegally detaining their vehicles and drivers during the protests, despite the fact that they have taken no action against those guilty of burning their vehicles.
“Today we are counting 70 per cent success, and today is just the beginning because for 13 years there has never been a public transport strike, and we are back until we get the proper audience that we want,” another owner said.
On Monday, Matatu operators blocked numerous critical routes in Nairobi, including the Thika Super Highway and Waiyaki Way, causing significant delays.
Police confiscate registration plates from matatus blocking CBD roads amid nationwide strike pic.twitter.com/uFqM8rblIP
— Daily Nation (@NationAfrica) February 2, 2026
Police officials were subsequently dispatched to disperse the protesting motorists, with authorities removing number plates and towing matatus that had been spotted blocking several avenues in Nairobi’s central business district.
The Motorist Association of Kenya had initially stated on Sunday that transport workers, private car owners, transporters, and truck drivers would halt operations to support matatu operators.
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This was contrary to a separate announcement from the Federation of Public Transport Sector (FPTS), which said the strike was off after expressing willingness to engage government stakeholders.
Commuters stranded as matatu strike hit Nairobi; Matatu Owners vow to strike every Monday
— TV 47 Digital (@tv47digital) February 2, 2026
Public transport has resumed in Nairobi, this as confusion over a planned Matatu strike left major roads in chaos this morning.
While some operators returned to ferry passengers, others… pic.twitter.com/iCmOYe9xsp
In MAK’s statement, the association noted that at least nine vehicles, including matatus, buses, trucks, and private cars, have been torched by mobs.
This follows road incidents involving pedestrians or boda boda riders in areas such as Juja, Luanda in Vihiga County, and along the Thika Superhighway.
“These acts represent millions of shillings in losses, destroy years of hard work in minutes, and place innocent passengers, drivers, and bystanders in mortal danger,” MAK stated.
Matatu Operators Set New Date For Nationwide Strike After Monday Chaos
