Updated Monday, May 18 evening: The ongoing countrywide shutdown is far from over, as matatu stakeholders announced that the strike would continue on Tuesday. The operators who clashed with Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi at Transcom House in Nairobi maintained that their talks had hit a snag. Wandayi had earlier announced that they had reached a deal to lower the price of diesel to address fuel adulteration with cheaper kerosene.
In the morning, Forward Travelers Association Chairman Paul Thiongo said the action will run until Wednesday, May 20, raising the prospect of prolonged transport disruption across key routes if talks fail.
“We would like to state that we are downing our tools for three consecutive days, and if no action is taken after that, we will continue holding strikes every Monday until the government takes action,” he stated.
Matatu Strike Paralyzes Transport in Nairobi
Transport across major highways in and around Nairobi has been severely disrupted following the matatu strike linked to rising fuel costs.
Passengers were left stranded early in the morning as public service vehicles stayed off the roads, affecting key routes including Thika Road, Mombasa Road, and the Nakuru–Nairobi highway.
Many commuters were forced to walk long distances or seek alternative means such as boda bodas, which quickly became scarce and more expensive.
Transport companies say the strike is a protest against high fuel prices and what they term as unsustainable operating costs.
They are calling for government intervention, including possible subsidies or tax relief, to stabilize fares and keep vehicles on the road.
Deaths as Chaos Spread
Protests over rising fuel prices turned violent in several parts of the country on Monday, with deaths reported and property destroyed as unrest spread across multiple counties.
In Makueni County, UDA offices were set ablaze during demonstrations as protesters expressed anger over the high cost of fuel.
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Witnesses reported that groups of protesters stormed the premises before setting parts of the building on fire.
The extent of damage was not immediately clear by the time of publication.
The protests, largely driven by the cost of living, have seen demonstrators take to the streets in different towns, disrupting transport and business activities.
In Nakuru County, one person was reported dead following a confrontation during the protests.
Details surrounding the incident remained unclear, with authorities yet to issue an official statement on the circumstances of the death.
In a separate incident in Kakamega County, another individual was reported to have been shot in the Kenya Industrial Estate (KIE) area as demonstrations continued.
The shooting occurred as protests intensified in parts of the town, raising fresh concerns over safety and the handling of the crowds.
The reported deaths highlight the growing tensions across the country, as what began as protests over fuel prices increasingly turn violent.
Security agencies have not released comprehensive information on the incidents, but a heightened presence is expected in affected areas as authorities move to restore order.
Police, GSU Deployed along Thika Road
Security officers, including anti-riot police, have been deployed along Thika Road, with presence near the Githurai area.
Tear gas has been used in parts of Githurai as officers respond to the situation.
A police vehicle was also seen making a U-turn along Thika Road after protesters blocked the road amid the ongoing disruption.
Bonfires on Thika Road, Ruiru
Sections of Witeithie have been brought to a standstill after protesters lit bonfires in the middle of the road, blocking both public and private vehicles.
Thika Road has been further affected after fresh disruptions in Ruiru, where sections of the road have been set on fire.
Transport has been severely disrupted in Kitengela, where protesters have reportedly blocked major roads.
Witness accounts indicate that passengers, schoolchildren, and private motorists are being forced to turn back, as no vehicles are allowed to pass through the affected sections.
The situation has grounded movement in the area, extending the impact of the matatu strike beyond Nairobi into neighbouring counties.
Sections of Kenyatta Road have been brought to a halt after protesters lit fires on the roadway, completely blocking traffic.
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Images shared online show burning tyres and thick smoke engulfing the road, with crowds gathered nearby.
Roads in Kitengela have been effectively closed, with no private vehicles being allowed through.
Traffic flow along Outering Road in Nairobi has been heavily affected, with matatus and private vehicles forced to seek alternative routes.
Kenya Red Cross Issues Advisory
The Kenya Red Cross says movement has been disrupted in several parts of the country following the transport sector strike linked to rising fuel prices. Affected areas include Nairobi, Mombasa, Kiambu, Machakos, Kajiado, Kisumu, Embu, Murang’a and Makueni.
The agency reports major disruptions along Thika Road, Kitengela, Rongai, Machakos Junction and North Airport Road, affecting public transport, taxis, boda bodas and cargo movement.
Kenya Red Cross says it continues to monitor the situation as it evolves.
Transport Disrupted in Major Kenyan Roads
Transport in Nakuru town has been disrupted after matatu operators joined the nationwide strike.
A section of the road has been blocked using tyres and tree branches, bringing movement to a standstill.
Vehicles have been unable to pass through the area, halting transport within the town.
Main roads in Nyamira town have been closed as the matatu strike spreads.
Barricades made of burning tyres have been placed across the road, blocking vehicles and stopping movement within the area.
Sections of the Nakuru–Nairobi highway have been paralyzed after youths barricaded parts of the road during the ongoing protests.
Motorists have been left stranded as traffic along the route has come to a halt.
Kitui town has recorded minimal activity linked to the strike, with reports indicating the area has largely been left out of major protests.
There is no traffic flowing along the Mai Mahiu road.
Feeder and access roads to the route have been blocked, limiting the number of vehicles that can reach the highway.
Several protesters have been arrested in Nairobi’s Central Business District as police moved to disperse gatherings linked to fuel price demonstrations.
Arrests were reported near the Kenya National Archives, where anti-riot officers broke up groups attempting to assemble.
Heavy police presence remains in place across key streets as officers monitor movement and prevent further.
Police confirmed at least 11 people were arrested in similar operations within the CBD.
KEWOPA Condemns Killing of Rachel Wandeto
The Kenya Women Parliamentary Association (KEWOPA) has condemned the killing of Rachel Wandeto following a violent attack in Kasarani, Nairobi.
The association has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of those responsible.
KEWOPA has urged the National Police Service and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations to conduct a comprehensive and transparent investigation.
