Matatu owners threaten nationwide shutdown over attacks

 Matatu Owners Association chairman Albert Karakacha /HANDOUT

Matatu operators across the country have threatened to stage a nationwide strike starting Monday next week, citing government inaction over the recent torching of public service vehicles by boda boda riders.

MOA chairman Albert Karakacha said bike riders have been attacking vehicles and setting them on fire without being charged by the government.

“We are asking the government because we know the government is supposed to protect everybody. That they protect us in the transport sector because transport sector is the huge tax payer,” he said.

Inter-corridor mobility chairman Joseph Kagai said continued attacks on matatus have created an uncontrollable security situation, leaving investors in the transport sector exposed to heavy losses.

“Road users are here in solidarity, apart from the two-wheel users. The government is slowly losing authority over the safety of property belonging to our investors,” he said.

He warned that operators would not only withdraw their services but also block major roads, towns and roundabouts countrywide until authorities address the issue.

Kagai questioned absence of arrests and investigations into the incidents, noting that despite the sector being heavily regulated and contributing significantly through fuel levies and taxes, operators were receiving little protection.

“We pay fuel levy and taxes that maintain these roads, yet when our vehicles are attacked and nothing is done. From Monday, it will not be business as usual,” he said.

He further cautioned that if the government fails to restore security, operators may resort to confronting perpetrators themselves, referencing past informal enforcement methods used in the industry before reforms introduced structured Sacco operations.

“We don’t want to take the law into our hands, but if those mandated to protect us are not doing their job, we will be forced to defend ourselves,” Kagai said.

Karakacha stressed that operators have no problem complying with tax obligations, but demanded immediate action to stop further destruction of vehicles.

“Our only issue is protection. No more vehicles should be burnt and those responsible must be dealt with,” he said.

The planned strike, which targets all four-wheel and above road users, threatens to paralyse transport services in major towns and cities if talks with the government fail to produce favourable conditions.