Commuters in Nairobi were left stranded on Monday morning after sections of the matatu industry stayed off the roads, defying reports that a planned strike had been suspended.
In many parts of the city, long queues formed at bus stops as passengers struggled to find transport means to work, forcing some to walk long distances to work while others resorted to boda bodas and ride-hailing services.
The disruption came amid conflicting positions from key players in the public transport sector over whether the strike should proceed.
The Federation of Public Transport Sector (FPTS) had on Sunday announced that the strike had been suspended after meetings involving matatu operators, boda boda representatives and security agencies.
The federation said the consultations were aimed at de-escalating tensions and finding a lasting solution to disputes between the two modes of transport.
However, the Matatu Owners Association (MOA) insisted that the strike would go on, accusing the government of failing to address what it described as growing lawlessness among boda boda operators.
MOA president Albert Karakacha said the industrial action was meant to compel authorities to act decisively on the issue.
“We must put measures on boda bodas because they are not following the law. So far, 15 matatus have been torched across the country,” Karakacha told the Star on Sunday.
He added that matatu owners had suffered huge financial losses due to the destruction of vehicles, some valued at more than Sh7 million, and demanded compensation from the government.
Karakacha said the association had repeatedly engaged government officials since November without success.
“We have written letters and held meetings, but our concerns have been ignored. The only option left is to escalate this matter to the President,” he said.
On their part, boda boda leaders distanced themselves from the strike, calling instead for dialogue and cooperation between the two sectors.
Boda Boda Safety Association national chairman Kevin Mubadi said a work stoppage by matatus was unnecessary and could end up hurting their own business.
He warned that if matatus withdrew services, boda bodas would naturally step in to fill the transport gap, potentially worsening tensions.
Mubadi urged both sides to engage the government through talks rather than actions that disrupt the public.
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