Matatus to Operate Normally Nationwide as Owners Urge Calm Amid Expected Demonstrations

Matatus lining up in Nairobi's OTC area waiting for passengers to board. PHOTO/ File

The Matatu Owners Association has assured Kenyans that public transport services will continue running normally across the country amid concerns over possible disruptions linked to expected demonstrations.

The association’s president, Albert Karakacha, said matatu owners, drivers, crew members, and staff should remain calm and maintain professionalism while serving passengers.

He emphasized that operators have a responsibility to ensure the movement of people and goods continues without interruption.

“While we acknowledge concerns regarding possible disruptions, we call upon all matatu owners, drivers, crew members, and staff to remain calm, exercise restraint, and continue providing transport services responsibly and professionally,” Karakacha said.

Matatu Sector Condemns Violence and Property Destruction

The Matatu Owners Association said it remains committed to protecting passengers, transport workers, vehicles, businesses, and members of the public from any form of harm during the demonstrations.

“The public transport sector remains committed to serving Kenyans and ensuring the continued movement of people and goods. Matatu operations will continue as normal, while respecting the constitutional rights of all citizens and prioritising public safety,” Karakacha stated.

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The association strongly condemned acts of violence, vandalism, arson, looting, and destruction of property, warning that such actions threaten the safety of passengers and operators who depend on public transport services.

“The Matatu Owners Association strongly condemns all forms of violence, vandalism, arson, looting, and destruction of property. The safety and well-being of passengers, transport workers, vehicles, businesses, and the public remain our highest priority,” the statement read.

Karakacha also called on different stakeholders to support peaceful engagement and avoid actions that could disrupt normal activities.

Operators Asked to Maintain Dialogue and Safety Amid Planned Demonstrations

The association urged community leaders, civil society groups, businesses, and government agencies to work together in promoting peaceful solutions and protecting national unity.

“We call on all stakeholders, including community leaders, civil society, businesses, and government agencies, to uphold constructive dialogue, respect the law, and work together toward solutions that promote justice, accountability, peace, and national unity,” Karakacha said.

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The matatu sector confirmed that vehicles will continue operating tomorrow, with operators expected to prioritize passenger safety while offering reliable transport services.

“As the Matatu Owners Association, we confirm that tomorrow, matatus across the country will continue operating and providing services as usual. We urge all operators to ensure passengers are transported safely and responsibly,” he added.

The association further sent condolences to families affected by any loss of life and called on security agencies to maintain peace and order.

“We extend our condolences and support to the families who have lost their loved ones, and we call upon the relevant authorities, including the police, to ensure peace and security for all Kenyans,” Karakacha said.

He noted that the expected demonstrations should remain peaceful and reiterated that public transport operators would continue serving passengers.

“Because demonstrations are expected to be peaceful, our responsibility remains to provide transport services. Matatus will therefore continue ferrying passengers as usual,” he said.

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