The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Albert Karakacha, President of the Matatu Owners Association (MOA), has declared that matatu operators will stage strikes every Monday.
In a Monday interview, Karakacha said the weekly slowdowns will continue until the government addresses the association’s concerns.
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“We will continue every Monday. Even if no negotiations happen by next week, we will remain on the roads until our issues are resolved,” he stated.
He also apologized to passengers, saying, “We are sorry for the inconvenience, but we are fighting for your rights.”
Karakacha ruled out talks with Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, insisting that the association will only engage directly with the President.
“We are ready to meet the President, not the CS. The President promised to protect both citizens and their property,” he said.
Earlier, police were deployed in large numbers at major junctions and matatu stages as operators continued to disrupt traffic.
Severe congestion was reported along Waiyaki Way in Westlands, where the strike spilled onto major roads, bringing traffic to a near standstill.
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From early morning, motorists tried to bypass the gridlock by using wrong lanes and unauthorized routes, worsening the jam.
The situation escalated as vehicles overlapped at intersections, blocking roads in both directions.
The matatu operators had announced a nationwide strike on January 28 to protest alleged attacks on their vehicles by boda boda operators, claiming the government had not acted to protect their sector.
Police attempted to restore order by dispersing small groups, redirecting vehicles, and controlling access to key junctions.
However, enforcement faced challenges as some drivers continued to flout traffic rules, further aggravating the congestion.
