Tension gripped Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) on Thursday as matatu operators blocked key roads in protest against hawkers encroaching on their designated parking spaces.
At least four matatus from different saccos were deliberately parked along Moi Avenue, Tom Mboya Street, Accra Road, and Ronald Ngala Street, causing major disruptions.
Drivers and conductors, instead of operating, turned the roads into a football pitch, bringing transport to a standstill and leaving pedestrians stranded as they struggled to navigate the city center.
In the Video obtained by Citymirror, it is seen that the streets were filled with loud whistling and shouting, with some of the agitated operators chanting, “Hakuna kubembelezana leo hapa” (We won’t take things lightly today).
Speaking to the press, National CEO of the Federation of Public Transport Sector, Kushian Muchiri, called on both the national and county governments to respect the transport sector.
He issued a stern warning of a possible full-scale strike if the grievances of matatu operators were not addressed.
Lucky Baba Dogo Traveller director Simon Mburu lamented that another business had taken over their space, severely inconveniencing their operations.
“That is why we have decided to halt all business activities in town,” Mburu stated.
He claimed the traders occupying their slots had official authorization, yet their sacco had not received any communication regarding the changes.
Mburu further expressed frustration, noting that they previously co-existed with hawkers who would only set up their stalls from 4 PM. He criticized the abrupt changes that had thrown their operations into disarray.
The commotion prompted a swift response from law enforcement, with police officers arriving at the scene to restore order.
