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News18 May 2026 - 09:58

Matatu strike paralyses transport along the Nairobi - Namanga highway

The road was barricaded by rioting youth who lit fires using tyres in Kitengela, Kajiado county, early Monday.

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by GEORGE OWITI
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A section of the Namanga Road barricaded by rioters in Kitengela, Kajiado County on May 18, 2026/ GEORGE OWITI

Transport has been paralysed along the Nairobi - Namanga highway as the nationwide matatu sector strike took effect on Monday.

The road was barricaded by rioting youth who lit fires using tyres in Kitengela, Kajiado county, early Monday.

They are protesting against the fuel hike.

Motorists have been forced to keep off the road, with those who were en route to Kajiado from Nairobi and vice versa parking their vehicles by the roadside.

Hundreds of the youth pulled down a mabati structure belonging to the County Government of Kajiado that was erected at the border of the county and Machakos county used for revenue collection.

The situation has led to the closure of businesses in Kitengela Town, with idling youth thronging the cosmopolitan town.

Police are yet to be seen at the scene as the demonstrations continue.

Earlier in the morning, passengers were stranded in the town after public service vehicles withdrew services following the national strike.

Some were forced to use bodaboda and tuk-tuk services, all of whom hiked their fare charges.

Youth seated in the middle of Namanga Road in Kitengela/GEORGE OWITI

A section of the Namanga Road barricaded by rioters in Kitengela, Kajiado County on May 18, 2026/ GEORGE OWITI

A section of the Namanga Road barricaded by rioters in Kitengela, Kajiado County on May 18, 2026/ GEORGE OWITI

A section of the Namanga Road barricaded by rioters in Kitengela, Kajiado County on May 18, 2026/ GEORGE OWITI

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