Matatu strike roundup: Regional police bosses update

Transport was disrupted in several parts of the country on Monday as the ongoing matatu strike over rising fuel prices triggered protests, road blockades and heavy police deployment.

In Gilgil, protesters barricaded sections of the highway using burning tyres and other obstacles, paralysing movement for hours. Security officers were deployed to disperse demonstrators and restore calm.

Nakuru County Commissioner Layford Kibaara said police had intensified patrols in affected areas to ensure the safety of motorists and residents.

In Nairobi, the Central Business District remained relatively calm despite the shortage of public service vehicles caused by the strike.

Police responded to road blockades reported along Kasarani–Mwiki Road, Outer Ring Road and Donholm.

According to County Commissioner Nairobi North Simon Osumba, officers were monitoring the situation closely to prevent further disruption.

Meanwhile, tension was reported in Mairo-Inya where suspected goons, allegedly from Laikipia county set tyres ablaze on roads before police intervened.

Nyandarua County Commissioner Abdirizak Jaldesa said the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) was leading operations to restore normalcy in the area.

In western Kenya, however, operations remained largely normal.

Busia County commissioner Stephen Orinde said traffic flow in the county had not been significantly affected, although some PSV operators had suspended services.

He confirmed that no demonstrations or road blockades had been recorded.

Elsewhere, transport was paralysed in parts of Laikipia, with major highways disrupted by the strike.

Laikipia County commissioner Duncan Muyesu advised motorists to avoid travelling along the Nyahururu–Rumuruti Highway and the Lamuria route due to ongoing unrest.

The nationwide matatu strike has continued to pile pressure on commuters already grappling with high transport costs and rising living expenses.