Matatu Strike Leaves Passengers Stranded Across Nairobi

UPDATE: Matatu operators have blocked sections of Nairobi’s roads as they go on strike, leaving many Kenyans stranded.

The operators have blocked sections of several major roads in Nairobi, including Thika Road, Outer Ring Road, and Waiyaki Way, as they go on strike.

Nationwide transport paralysis is expected this Monday, February 2, 2026, as a coalition of motorists, truckers, and matatu operators launches a strike.

The Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) announced on Saturday, January 31, 2026, that private and commercial drivers will join the protest against “rising lawlessness and impunity” on Kenyan roads.

The move follows a string of arson attacks on vehicles and what operators describe as a deafening silence from the government regarding their security demands.

Also Read: 7 People Dead & Others Injured as Trailer Collides with Matatu

Participants in the transportation industry cautioned that if action is not taken to restore law and order on the roads, Monday’s shutdown would signal the start of a significant protest, especially in light of a string of violent attacks targeting automobiles.

The operators claim that in just one month, mobs have set fire to at least nine vehicles, including matatus, buses, trucks, and private automobiles.

Several of the cases followed road incidents involving pedestrians or boda boda riders in areas such as Juja, Luanda in Vihiga County, and along the Thika Superhighway.

Police on security

Nairobi Police Commander George Seda cautioned against enforcing the law on one’s own during the meeting held on Friday, January 30, 2026, pointing out that burning cars makes it more difficult to file compensation claims and conduct investigations.

Also Read: NTSA Suspends Licences of 4 Matatu Operators

“It is not right to take the law into your hands, imagine you’ve had an accident. You also torch the vehicle. Now, maybe they say that that’s the procedure of investigations, and you would have gotten compensation through insurance. Where are we now going to get this compensation?” Seda stated.

He also emphasized that burning vehicles makes victims worse off, even in cases where injuries are sustained.

“The number plate that was involved in the accident, you’ve now torched it. You are still going to be languishing as a victim. Even if you were hit and your leg was broken, and you torched the vehicle. How are we going to make you okay now?” Seda stated.

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An aerial pictures of matatus and private vehicles on the road. PHOTO/@FederationofPT/X