Nairobi Region Police Commander Issa Mohamud has issued a statement regarding the ongoing countrywide Matatu protests.
Mohamud has described the incident as illegal and warned of serious security and economic consequences linked to the chaos witnessed in the capital.
Speaking to the media, the commander said police were not informed of the planned protest even after the National Police released a statement on May 17 assuring the public safety.
“Because we were not notified, we were not aware, so we were not notified in advance. It was not peaceful, it was armed, so it was illegal,” said Mohamud.
Police Declare Matatu Protests Illegal and Disruptive to Order
Mohamud stated that parts of Nairobi experienced road blockages, with stones, rocks, and boulders allegedly used to obstruct major transport routes.
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He argued that such actions interfered with public order and the rights of other road users, bringing movement within the city to a halt in some areas.
According to him, the disruption went beyond lawful demonstration and crossed into unlawful interference with infrastructure and essential services.
Issa also argued that the actions observed during the incident posed risks to the functioning of the capital’s transport and business activities.
“So they started blocking roads using blocks, rocks, and boulders. Thus, disrupting public order, interfering with the rights of others and other road users, which is illegal and amounts to a breach of the law. Therefore, there was deliberate obstruction of transport networks, disruption of businesses, and all this constitutes economic sabotage. This constitutes economic sabotage, because it is affecting livelihoods,” said Mohamud.
Mohamud Reports on Alleged Goons Infiltration
The police commander also revealed that the police had received intelligence reports of the possibility of infiltration by hired goons during the chaos.
He claimed the individuals were suspected of being armed and intended to exploit and incite the situation to carry out criminal activity.
According to Mohamud, the alleged plans included looting of supermarkets and shops, destruction of both public and private property, and incitement of violence among crowds.
“We had a credible intelligence that there were hired goons who will be armed with Korean weapons who want to exploit the situation. However, it was also illegal, but to add to that, we had people, we had some information and intelligence that those goons wanted to exploit the situation, to loot supermarkets and shops, destroy private and public properties and cause malicious damage to property and inciting others. But we were ready for them, and our officers were under firm instructions to maintain law and order to protect life and property, keep all major roads open and all infrastructure open,” added Mohamud.
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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 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.
