United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Omar Hassan Omar has condemned acts of violence and destruction witnessed during protests linked to the ongoing nationwide matatu strike.
Hassan questioned why some demonstrators had resorted to vandalism and chaos instead of peaceful demonstrations.
Speaking as the strike entered its second day on Tuesday, Hassan backed Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen for warning individuals involved in torching vehicles, destroying infrastructure and attacking businesses during demonstrations in different parts of the country.
“We are happy with the warning by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen. Murkomen has warned those setting ablaze vehicles and those destroying properties,” Hassan said.
The UDA official expressed concern over increasing incidents of destruction witnessed during protests over rising fuel prices and the high cost of living. He questioned why protesters were targeting private property and public infrastructure that ordinary Kenyans depend on daily.
“You are setting ablaze buildings, what have the owners done to you? You steal from commuters who have not wronged you,” he said.
“You are destroying roads and rail infrastructure that Kenyans worked so hard to build. What has President William Ruto done to you? What has made you so angry?” Hassan posed.
The protests erupted as public transport operators, including matatus, buses and many boda boda riders, largely stayed off the roads in protest against high fuel prices and rising operating costs. The industrial action paralysed transport in several towns, including Nairobi, Nakuru, Meru and parts of Central Kenya.
Major roads recorded minimal public transport movement throughout the day, with thousands of commuters stranded and forced to walk long distances after matatus failed to operate. The few boda boda riders who remained in business reportedly increased fares sharply due to the high demand.
Some schools cancelled activities while businesses reported losses caused by delayed deliveries and reduced customer traffic. Traders in several estates around Nairobi said movement had slowed significantly as workers struggled to reach workplaces.
Matatu operators and drivers have accused the government of ignoring the challenges facing the transport sector, particularly the rising fuel prices and increased operational expenses. They are demanding a reduction in fuel prices, removal of some fuel levies and urgent intervention from Parliament to cushion operators and ordinary Kenyans from the soaring cost of living.
However, Hassan insisted that demonstrations must remain peaceful and within the law, warning against what he termed as “radicalisation” among sections of protesters.
“The Constitution allows you to demonstrate peacefully and also you have the right to vote. And that time will come next year and you will know we have the numbers,” he said.
“What is going on? What kind of radicalisation is this? What kind of barbarism?” he added.
Hassan further called on security agencies to take firm action against individuals involved in acts of violence and destruction during the demonstrations.
“Kipchumba, look for those people, arrest them and charge them. Let the law take its course. This country cannot go on like this,” he said.
“A country is bigger than everybody, no matter your position,” Hassan added as he defended the government’s efforts to restore order during the ongoing unrest.
He also hinted at tougher action against what he described as cartels within the public transport sector once President William Ruto returns to the country.
