Cops confiscate registration plates from matatus blocking CBD

Police officers on Monday were seen bending over matatus as they unplugged registration plates from vehicles blocking major roads in Nairobi’s CBD, as a nationwide strike by public transport operators brought traffic to a near standstill.

The strike, called by the Matatu Owners Association (MOA), comes despite the Federation of Public Transport Sector’s (FPTS) announcement over the weekend that talks with boda boda operators and security agencies had suspended the industrial action. 

Officers were seen removing number plates from matatus parked across key junctions and access roads.

The officers carried the plates away as patrols moved through the CBD in an operation aimed at clearing blocked streets. Onlookers and stranded commuters watched as police enforced traffic laws amid mounting congestion.

“We cannot allow vehicles to block roads and paralyse the city. Any matatu found obstructing traffic will face enforcement action,” a police officer said as the operation continued.

Transport disruption spilled onto major highways, with heavy traffic congestion reported along Waiyaki Way in Westlands, where movement slowed to a near standstill. 

From early morning hours, traffic built up rapidly as motorists attempted to use wrong lanes and unauthorised routes to bypass the gridlock.

The situation escalated as vehicles overlapped at intersections, blocking junctions and severely disrupting traffic flow in both directions.

“People are driving on the wrong side just to escape the jam. Nothing is moving,” said commuter Peter Mwangi, who was stuck along Waiyaki Way for more than two hours. 

“It’s complete chaos.”

Matatu operators had earlier announced plans for a nationwide strike on January 28 to protest what they described as increasing attacks on their vehicles, including alleged torching by boda boda operators. 

On Sunday, the Federation of Public Transport Sector (FPTS) said the strike had been suspended following consultations involving matatu operators, boda boda representatives and security agencies. The federation said the talks were aimed at de-escalating tensions and finding a lasting solution to disputes between the two transport sectors.

However, the Matatu Owners Association (MOA) rejected the suspension announcement, insisting that the strike would proceed.

“The government has failed to deal with the growing lawlessness among boda boda operators. Until our members are protected, the strike will continue,” an MOA official said.

By mid-morning, police remained stationed at key junctions and matatu stages as commuters were forced to walk long distances or seek alternative transport, with authorities warning that enforcement operations would continue until order was restored.