A section of Thika Road at Roysambu turned chaotic on Monday morning after protesters barricaded the highway during the ongoing nationwide matatu strike over rising fuel prices.
Demonstrators blocked part of the busy road using stones, burning tyres, and other objects, bringing traffic to a standstill and leaving hundreds of motorists stranded for hours. Videos and photos shared online showed heavy traffic buildup as vehicles failed to access the affected section, forcing some drivers to make U-turns and seek alternative routes.
The protests erupted as matatu operators, boda boda riders, truck drivers, taxi operators, and other transport stakeholders launched a nationwide strike to protest the latest fuel price increase announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
Transport operators say the rising fuel prices have made business operations extremely difficult and continue to push the cost of living higher for ordinary Kenyans. The protesters now want the government to reduce fuel prices, allow an increase in transport fares, and disband EPRA.
The strike has disrupted transport services in Nairobi and several towns across the country. Many commuters woke up to empty matatu stages and long queues as public service vehicles disappeared from the roads. Thousands of workers and students had to walk long distances, while others paid higher prices for motorcycles and ride-hailing services.
The protests also spread to other areas, including Kitengela, where demonstrators reportedly blocked roads and disrupted movement within the town. Humanitarian agency Kenya Red Cross warned that the strike had affected movement along several key transport routes.
Transport leaders blame the latest fuel increase for worsening economic pressure across the country. They argue that expensive fuel has raised transport costs, food prices, and the cost of basic goods and services.
READ ALSO: Nationwide Matatu Strike Leaves Thousands of Kenyans Stranded
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi criticized the strike and described it as unnecessary. Mbadi argued that government interventions had prevented fuel prices from rising even further despite pressure in the global oil market.
However, protesters insist that many transport businesses can no longer survive under the current fuel prices. They warn that the demonstrations could continue if the government fails to address their concerns.
Gospel musician and activist Reuben Kigame also declared support for the nationwide strike. In a video shared on his X account, Kigame said transport operators across the country were suffering because of the rising fuel costs.
“Kila mtu anaumia kwa sababu ya bei ya mafuta kwenda juu,” Kigame said, adding that truck drivers, matatu operators, school transport providers, and boda boda riders were all struggling with the high cost of fuel.
Security officers continued monitoring the demonstrations on Monday as authorities worked to restore normal traffic flow along affected roads. Meanwhile, many Kenyans expressed frustration online over the rising cost of living and the growing transport crisis affecting daily life across the country.
