Matatu Strike Escalates as Operators Reject Fuel Deal Following Transcom House Drama

Spread the love

Matatu Strike Escalates as Operators Reject Fuel Deal Following Transcom House Drama
NAIROBI, KENYA — The nationwide transport paralysis is set to enter its second day after the Transport Sector Alliance announced that the ongoing matatu strike remains fully active.

The declaration followed an afternoon of unexpected drama at Transcom House during a press briefing convened by Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, revealing deep divisions between the government and public transport stakeholders.

While the state sought to project progress in resolving the fuel crisis that has crippled major towns and cities, a section of disgruntled transport operators openly disrupted the briefing. They insisted that no concrete agreement had been reached to justify calling off the mass action.

“We are law-abiding citizens, and we abide by the law; the strike is still on—aluta continua,” stated one defiant matatu stakeholder, contradicting the government’s narrative of an imminent breakthrough.

Also Read

Kushian Muchiri, the Chairperson of the Association of Matatu Transport Owners, clarified the standoff, noting that while minor progress was made on fuel adulteration, the core grievances remain unaddressed.

According to Muchiri, the operators only found common ground on stabilizing the price of kerosene relative to diesel to combat fuel tampering.
“On the issue of diesel prices, that one we have not agreed on, and we have scheduled another meeting,” Muchiri explained.

As a multi-agency government team scrambles to prevent further economic bleeding, Muchiri urged operators to remain steadfast but peaceful.

“In the meantime, it is our request that all our drivers and owners of vehicles continue keeping their vehicles at home. No disruption, no rioting as we await better engagements which will save the economy,” he added. With operators dug in, millions of commuters brace for another day of disrupted travel.