Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operators have announced a nationwide strike set to commence on Monday February 2, over what they described as a surge in violent attacks against matatus and other vehicles by boda boda riders.
Albert Karakacha, the Matatu Owners Association (MOA) chairperson, accused the government of failing to protect investors in the transport sector, despite repeated reports to the police, the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), and the Ministry of Transport.
He lamented that operators had been left with no option but to withdraw their vehicles from the roads.
“Our vehicles have been burned; we talked to the police, we have written to the transport minister and nothing has happened. From Monday, we will withdraw all vehicles from the roads until the government listens to us”, Karakacha said.
Despite noting that they were not advocating for lawlessness, the vehicle operators warned that the frustrations they faced within the industry was approaching dangerous levels. Karakacha added that they would bring back personnel to man their businesses, since the police no longer offer adequate protection.
The Inter-Corridor Mobility chairperson Joseph Kagai reiterated on the similar sentiments, noting that relevant authorities had failed in their responsibility to safeguard lives and property.
“We don’t want to take law into our hands, but it seems those supposed to protect us have other businesses”, he said.
Kagai further warned of possible retaliation if the situation persists, referencing past informal enforcement methods within the transport sector. “If the government is not able protect us, anywhere a boda rider will stop and start stoning a matatu, all vehicles will stop there and deal with them,” he said.
According to the operators, the anticipated strike will paralyze transport across major towns and highways across the country. “From Monday, we will make sure that in all major towns, cities and roundabouts in the country, there will be no passing”, Kagai noted.
The group of operators are also demanding for compensation for all the vehicle owners whose property has been destroyed. They claim that at least nine vehicles have been torched in the past six months, with not even a single arrest made.
“Boda boda operators have become the judge, jury and executioner”, said Peter Murima, the chairperson Motorists Association of Kenya.
They are appealing to President William Ruto to intervene on the matter, saying that all other authorities have failed to act. They have also noted that they will not listen to any other person apart from the president himself.
