matatu-owners-association-news

Matatus To Operate Normally On June 25 Despite Protest Anxiety

Posted on June 24, 2026 by Dennis Elnino

The Matatu Owners Association (MOA) has assured the public that transport services will remain fully operational across Kenya on Thursday, June 25, 2026. The statement aims to calm growing public anxiety surrounding planned nationwide demonstrations marking the second anniversary of the historic Gen Z protests.

Dismissing fears of a transport shutdown, MOA Chairman Albert Karakacha confirmed that operators will service all routes as usual, urging commuters to go about their daily routines without panic.

Solidarity and Calls for Justice

While keeping fleets moving, the association expressed deep solidarity with the families affected by the June 25, 2024, demonstrations—which resulted in dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries during protests against the controversial Finance Bill.

Karakacha acknowledged that while Kenyans hold a constitutional right to peaceful commemoration and accountability, the nation must simultaneously pursue justice and national unity.

Security Agencies on High Alert

With businesses, schools, and transport networks on edge over potential disruptions, security agencies have ramped up deployments to prevent criminal elements from infiltrating the peaceful commemorative events.

Key Directives from Security Chiefs:

GSU Command: Newly appointed General Service Unit (GSU) Commandant Johana Kiplangat Tonui briefed commanders on Tuesday, ordering officers to remain highly vigilant, uphold professionalism, and prioritize the protection of lives and property.
Interior Ministry: Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen revealed he instructed Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to enforce strict compliance with constitutional limits on the use of force. Murkomen emphasized that police must use minimal force during crowd control and deal firmly only with criminals.

Government: June 25 is a Normal Working Day

Addressing rumors of a shutdown, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura clarified that June 25 remains a standard working day, not a public holiday. Mwaura urged Kenyans to maintain their daily economic activities while respecting the right of others to participate in peaceful commemorative events.

Matatu SACCO officials summoned by police for investigations after member matatu has killer crash

Posted on June 5, 2026 by Ozymandias

Veteran matatu Sacco Risen Sacco has been summoned by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) following a fatal road accident involving the popular matatu Detat along Enterprise Road in Nairobi’s Industrial Area.

The summons comes as authorities intensify investigations into the crash, which claimed at least five lives and left several others injured, reigniting concerns about safety standards within Kenya’s public transport sector.

The accident occurred on the evening of June 3 near the Dar es Salaam Roundabout after the matatu reportedly lost control and overturned along the busy road. Witnesses described scenes of panic as passengers became trapped inside the wreckage.

Emergency response teams, including personnel from the Kenya Red Cross, rushed to the scene to rescue victims and provide medical assistance. Those injured were taken to nearby hospitals, while police officers secured the area and launched investigations into the incident.

NTSA Seeks Answers

NTSA said the Sacco’s officials have been called in as part of ongoing efforts to establish the circumstances that led to the crash. Investigators are expected to examine the vehicle’s operational records, compliance status, and the oversight measures put in place by the Sacco.

The authority emphasized that transport operators have a responsibility to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and that drivers adhere to traffic regulations.

“The Authority has summoned the concerned officials as investigations into the incident continue,” NTSA said.

Preliminary findings indicate the vehicle may have been travelling at a high speed before the accident, although investigators are yet to determine the exact cause of the crash.

Fresh Focus on Road Safety

The tragedy has once again drawn attention to safety concerns within the public service vehicle sector, particularly among matatus operating on Nairobi’s busy urban routes.

Road safety experts have consistently cited speeding, reckless driving, and non-compliance with traffic regulations as major contributors to road accidents across the country.

According to NTSA data, thousands of Kenyans lose their lives or suffer serious injuries in road crashes every year, with human error remaining one of the leading causes.

The authority has urged PSV operators, drivers, and passengers to observe safety measures and comply with existing traffic laws to help reduce preventable accidents.

“Road safety is a shared responsibility. Compliance with traffic rules is critical in preventing avoidable loss of life,” NTSA stated.

As investigations continue, families affected by the tragedy are mourning their loved ones while awaiting answers on what caused the deadly crash and who will ultimately be held accountable.

Matatu overturns along Enterprise Road

Posted on June 4, 2026 by Ozymandias

Several people sustained injuries on Wednesday night after a 32-seater matatu overturned along Enterprise Road in Nairobi’s Industrial Area, prompting a large-scale rescue operation involving emergency responders and members of the public.

The accident occurred near Nairobi Prison after the driver of the Public Service Vehicle (PSV) reportedly lost control, causing the matatu to overturn and leave several passengers trapped beneath the wreckage.

Witnesses at the scene alleged that the vehicle had been speeding and weaving through traffic moments before the crash. Some also claimed that several passengers were hanging onto the outside of the matatu as it moved along the busy roadway.

According to eyewitnesses, some of those injured may have been among the passengers who were clinging to the vehicle during the alleged reckless driving that preceded the accident.

Emergency teams from the Kenya Red Cross were quickly deployed to the scene to provide first aid and assist in evacuating the injured.

“A mass casualty road traffic incident involving an overturned PSV has occurred along Enterprise Road in Industrial Area, opposite Nairobi Prison. Kenya Red Cross emergency response teams are on the scene providing first aid and evacuation support to those affected,” the organisation said in a statement.

Authorities had not immediately confirmed the number of passengers on board at the time of the crash. However, some witnesses suspected the matatu may have been carrying more passengers than its approved capacity.

By Thursday morning, police had launched investigations into the incident to establish the exact cause of the crash and determine whether any traffic regulations had been breached.

The accident has once again raised concerns about road safety and reckless driving among public service vehicles, with speeding, overloading and dangerous driving continuing to pose challenges on Nairobi roads.

The incident comes only days after another major accident near the Ole Sereni section of the Nairobi Expressway, where a Mercedes-Benz caught fire after losing control and crashing into roadside barriers.

CCTV footage from that incident showed the luxury vehicle veering out of its lane before colliding with a guardrail and a concrete pillar, triggering a fire that engulfed the car within moments.

Preliminary assessments of the footage suggested the Mercedes-Benz may have been hit from behind by another vehicle while changing lanes, causing the driver to lose control. The second vehicle briefly swerved into a merging lane before regaining control and continuing its journey.

Authorities are expected to issue further updates on the Enterprise Road accident as investigations progress and more information emerges regarding the condition of those injured.

Matatu operators officially call off strike after meeting with Ruto

Posted on May 22, 2026 by Ozymandias

Matatu operators have officially called off the planned nationwide strike following high-level talks with President William Ruto at State House in Mombasa.

The announcement was made after a meeting between government officials and representatives from the public transport sector aimed at addressing concerns over rising fuel prices and operational costs affecting matatu operators across the country.

Speaking after the discussions, Matatu Owners Association Chair Albert Karakacha confirmed that operators had agreed to suspend the planned industrial action and continue offering transport services.

According to Karakacha, there will be no nationwide matatu strike next week as earlier threatened by transport operators.

The development comes as a relief to thousands of commuters who had feared major transport disruptions following days of tension within the sector.

The planned strike had emerged amid growing frustration among operators over high diesel prices, insurance challenges, and rising operating expenses that transport stakeholders argued were hurting business sustainability.

The meeting at State House followed fresh interventions announced by President Ruto, including a KSh10 reduction in diesel prices for the June–July pricing cycle and promises of broader reforms within the transport sector.

Among the measures discussed were plans to engage banks on cheaper financing for matatu owners, review insurance-related concerns, and introduce regulations targeting digital taxi platforms.

The decision to call off the strike is expected to restore normal transport operations across major towns and cities, especially in Nairobi where commuters had already experienced significant disruptions during recent protests and transport demonstrations.

Pastor whose CX5 was torched recounts harrowing ordeal

Posted on May 19, 2026 by Ozymandias

What started as an ordinary Monday morning drive turned into a devastating ordeal for Reverend Henry Larwey after his vehicle was attacked and torched during anti-fuel price protests in Nairobi’s Githurai area.

The demonstrations, organised by sections of the transport sector over rising fuel costs, escalated into chaos in parts of the city, leaving several motorists stranded and caught in confrontations with protesters.

Journey Turns Chaotic

Pastor Larwey was reportedly heading towards Kamakis for his daily activities when he encountered a group of demonstrators blocking the road in Githurai.

According to the clergyman, the situation initially appeared manageable as he attempted to speak calmly with the protesters after they forced him to slow down.

However, events quickly took a dangerous turn after his mobile phone was allegedly snatched from him, leaving him unable to negotiate further with the crowd.

“I realised my phone was taken… I could not negotiate with them by giving them anything,” the pastor recalled.

Moments later, the group reportedly descended on the vehicle, pelting it with stones before forcefully opening the doors and boot to loot personal belongings inside.

UDA Sash Allegedly Triggered Crowd

The confrontation reportedly intensified after demonstrators noticed a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) sash hanging on the driver’s seat.

According to Pastor Larwey, the sight of the political item immediately changed the mood of the crowd, with some protesters allegedly shouting and identifying him as a UDA supporter.

“When I got out of the seat, they saw a UDA sash… then they started shouting. It provoked them and they came to the car and started smashing it,” he explained.

The mob allegedly vandalised the vehicle before eventually setting it on fire.

Millions Lost in Minutes

The pastor said the destroyed car was worth approximately KSh 3 million, describing the incident as a major financial setback.

Ironically, Larwey noted that part of his work involves programmes aimed at empowering and connecting young people to employment opportunities — the same demographic heavily represented during the protests.

Calls for Peaceful Demonstrations

Following the incident, the pastor reported the matter at Kasarani Police Station and was advised to return later to record a detailed statement as investigations continue.

Despite losing his vehicle, Pastor Larwey urged Kenyans to maintain peace during demonstrations and avoid destructive actions.

“People have a right to do what they want… but God is still on the throne,” he said while reflecting on the incident.

Nationwide matatu strike kicks off! Here’s what you need to know

Posted on May 18, 2026 by Ozymandias

A nationwide strike by players in Kenya’s transport sector officially kicked off at midnight on Monday after industry stakeholders unanimously agreed to suspend operations over rising fuel prices.

In a joint statement released on Sunday, the Transport Sector Alliance announced that vehicles affiliated with participating associations would remain off the roads as part of coordinated industrial action across the country.

According to the alliance, the strike has attracted support from a wide range of transport subsectors, including passenger service operators, cargo and logistics companies, ride-hailing platforms, boda boda riders, tourism transport providers, driving schools, school transport operators, and private motorists.

“Following a high-level consultative meeting on Sunday, May 17, 2026, all stakeholders in Kenya’s transport sector have unanimously reaffirmed that no vehicle shall move starting midnight today. The nationwide Transport Sector Fuel Strike scheduled for Monday, May 18, 2026, is fully on,” the statement read.

“The Alliance confirms that all transport subsectors, covering passenger transport, cargo and logistics, ride-hailing, motorcycle transport, tourism transport, driving schools, school buses, and private motorists have resolved to stand together in one of the largest coordinated industrial actions in Kenya’s history.”

Major transport groups back strike

Among the organisations supporting the strike are the Federation of Public Transport Sector, Matatu Owners Association, Motorist Association of Kenya, Truckers Association of Kenya, Digital Taxi Association of Kenya, Association of Bus Operators, alongside several other industry lobby groups.

The alliance claimed the level of participation across the sector gives the strike an estimated 99 per cent success rate.

Protest over rising cost of living

Transport sector leaders argued that the demonstrations go beyond the interests of operators, saying ordinary Kenyans are the biggest victims of high fuel prices.

“This action is not only for transport operators, but for every Kenyan citizen. The ordinary mwananchi is the ultimate victim of high fuel prices, paying more for transport, food, electricity, and essential commodities,” the statement said.

The alliance further noted that farmers, traders, workers, and consumers from different parts of the country had already expressed solidarity with the planned demonstrations.

“They are expected to participate in the demonstrations in their towns, shopping centres, and local communities,” the group added.

Key demands

The striking stakeholders are demanding the immediate reversal of the fuel price increase announced on May 14.

They are also calling for:

Reduction of petrol and diesel prices to about KSh152 per litre.
Standardisation of all petroleum products to match the current kerosene price of KSh152.78 per litre.
The resignation or dismissal of the Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum.
Accountability over allegations of substandard fuel imports.
An end to recurring fuel shortages.

The alliance further demanded the disbandment of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), restructuring of the National Oil Corporation of Kenya, and revival of the Changamwe Oil Refinery to process Turkana crude oil locally.

The group also criticised the current Government-to-Government fuel import arrangement, calling for a return to a competitive open-market system.

“Enough is enough. Fuel is the lifeblood of the economy. When fuel prices rise beyond reason, the entire nation suffers,” the statement said.

The alliance urged private motorists, farmers, and business owners to join demonstrations in towns and trading centres nationwide, insisting the protests would remain peaceful and constitutional.