NAIROBI, Kenya – Private motorists and truck drivers have vowed to down their tools on Monday in solidarity with matatu operators, escalating pressure on the government over rising cases of vehicle torchings allegedly linked to boda boda riders.
In a statement issued on Saturday, January 31, the Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) said its members will halt operations on February 2 after authorities failed to act on demands raised during a press conference earlier this week.
The planned shutdown comes amid growing outrage over what motorists describe as government inaction following a wave of violent attacks on vehicles across several parts of the country.
According to MAK, at least nine vehicles — including matatus, buses, trucks and private cars — have been torched in the past month alone, often after minor road incidents involving pedestrians or boda boda riders.
Hotspot areas cited include Juja, Luanda and sections of the Thika Superhighway.
“These attacks have caused losses running into millions of shillings, destroyed livelihoods and placed passengers, drivers and innocent bystanders at grave risk,” the association said, warning that the absence of arrests and prosecutions has emboldened perpetrators.
Motorists further cautioned that mob justice is increasingly replacing due process on Kenyan roads, fuelling fear among drivers and eroding confidence in law enforcement agencies.
Matatu operators, working alongside MAK, first announced the strike on Wednesday, faulting the government for failing to protect vehicles in a sector they say is among the country’s biggest taxpayers.
Operators noted that many matatus are uninsured and depend heavily on government protection, yet continue to shoulder heavy tax and fuel levy obligations while their businesses remain exposed to destruction.
“Patience within the sector is wearing thin,” the operators said, accusing authorities of failing to make meaningful arrests despite repeated incidents of arson.
They warned that Monday’s shutdown could mark the beginning of sustained protests, including the blocking of major highways and roads, should the government fail to restore order and guarantee the safety of motorists.
NTSA response
The National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), working with the National Police Service (NPS) and other agencies, announced plans to pilot a new identification system for boda boda riders in Nairobi.
Under the proposed programme, riders will be issued with unique identification numbers separate from motorcycle registration plates, a move officials say will improve regulation, accountability and tracking of rogue operators.
The initiative follows sustained complaints from matatu owners and motorists, who argue that unchecked boda boda operations have contributed to growing lawlessness on the roads.
