NAIROBI, Kenya- Running battles broke out in Nairobi’s Kayole estate on Monday morning after police clashed with protesters during the ongoing nationwide matatu strike linked to rising fuel prices.
Anti-riot police were deployed to several sections of the area where demonstrators had lit bonfires and blocked roads, disrupting movement and public transport operations. Officers fired teargas canisters to disperse crowds as tensions escalated in parts of the densely populated estate.
Witnesses said protesters barricaded roads using stones and burning tyres as they demanded government intervention over the high cost of fuel and rising transport fares.
The confrontations caused major traffic snarl-ups, with commuters stranded and many forced to walk long distances after matatus failed to operate normally.
Police officers were also seen attempting to extinguish bonfires that had been lit on roads connecting Kayole to other parts of Nairobi.
The unrest in Kayole came as the nationwide transport strike entered a critical phase, paralysing movement in several towns and counties across the country.
Major disruption has been reported in Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos, Kajiado, Mombasa, Kisumu, Embu, Murang’a and Makueni counties.
Key roads including Thika Road, North Airport Road, Kitengela, Rongai and Machakos Junction have experienced reduced traffic and transport paralysis.
Public transport operators, taxi drivers, boda boda riders and cargo transporters have joined the strike to protest the recent increase in fuel prices, arguing that the rising costs have made operations unsustainable.
The strike has left thousands of commuters stranded, with businesses, schools and essential services experiencing delays due to transport shortages.
Authorities have yet to announce a breakthrough in talks with transport sector players as fears grow over prolonged economic disruption if the standoff continues.
The Kenya Red Cross said it was monitoring the evolving situation across affected areas as tensions remained high in some parts of the country.
