Smoke, chaos in Kawangware as Myers residents join nationwide matatu strike
By Ascah Mwango, May 18, 2026Monday morning in Kawangware began with confusion, smoke and restless crowds as thick black clouds rose above the Myers area during protests linked to the ongoing nationwide matatu strike over soaring fuel prices.
Burning tyres lit up sections of the road as angry residents, matatu operators, and small business owners joined demonstrations that disrupted movement across the busy neighbourhood. Videos circulating online showed smoke covering parts of the area while groups of protesters blocked roads and forced vehicles to turn back, bringing transport activity to a near standstill.
The unrest in Kawangware reflected similar scenes witnessed across Nairobi and other towns as the nationwide strike paralysed public transport services. Along Thika Road, Mombasa Road, Roysambu, Kamukunji and sections of the CBD, commuters were left stranded after many matatus failed to report to work following calls for a shutdown by transport stakeholders.
By dawn, thousands of Nairobi residents had already realised Monday would not be an ordinary day. Bus stops remained unusually empty, queues stretched along roads, and many workers resorted to walking long distances after finding no public service vehicles operating.
At the centre of the strike is the sharp rise in fuel prices announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA). The latest review pushed petrol prices in Nairobi to Ksh214.25 per litre while diesel climbed to Ksh242.92 per litre, triggering outrage among transport operators who say the business has become unbearable under the current costs.
Transport operators argue that the fuel hikes have squeezed profits to dangerous levels, making it impossible to maintain operations without drastically increasing fares. Many operators insist that passengers are already struggling with the high cost of living and would not afford another round of fare hikes, leaving them cornered.
The demonstrations were organised under a coalition bringing together matatu operators, boda boda riders, truck drivers, taxi operators and private motorists. Several groups issued notices over the weekend confirming they would participate in the strike unless the government intervened.
One of Nairobi’s major PSV operators, Super Metro, announced suspension of services in solidarity with the strike.
“PUBLIC NOTICE! In view of the MATATU STRIKE slated for tomorrow, we will not be in operation. We shall communicate when services will resume. Thank you,” Super Metro said in their statement on Sunday, May 17, 2026.