Matatu operators’ protests to escalate to weekly
By David Nthua, February 2, 2026Albert Karakacha, the president of the Matatu Association, has said that they will resort to weekly protests.
Speaking to the media on Monday, February 2, 2026, after a day of back-and-forth following matatus blocking roads in various sections of Nairobi CBD, Karakacha said that the hooliganism in the boda boda sector threatens their business.
Matatu Association boss speaks out
“What we are urging the government is to listen to us, our grievances due to the hooliganism in the boda boda sector. We know some of the boda boda people are not bad. We are asking the president, because he swore the constitution and promised to protect the properties in Kenya. We want him to come and protect us because if we continue like this, this hooliganism is going to kill our business all over the country,” Karakacha said.
“He further stated that the protests will continue every Monday if their concerns are not addressed. “So every Monday, if we are not listened to, we are going to have protests all over the country.”
The protests come after matatu operators complained of harassment from traffic police, county askaris, and unidentified goons.
Roads across key areas of Nairobi were blocked as operators expressed frustration at what they termed unfair treatment while trying to operate.
Karakacha emphasised that the association’s aim is not to disrupt the public but to raise awareness of the growing threats to their livelihoods.
Call for government intervention
He said the sector’s survival depends on the government stepping in to ensure safety and proper law enforcement.
Authorities have not yet responded to the call for intervention, but the protests are expected to continue next Monday, highlighting the growing tension between matatu operators and other road users in Nairobi.
The matatu sector remains a critical part of the city’s transport system, and operators insist that without decisive action against the reported hooliganism, their business risks severe losses and operational challenges.
Karakacha’s call underscores the urgency for the government to address safety concerns in the transport sector while balancing the rights of commuters and operators.