Hundreds of travelers in Nyandarua County were this morning stranded in Nyahururu town after the nationwide public transport operators strike kicked off to protest recent fuel price hikes.
The most hit were long-distance passengers travelling to Nakuru, Nyeri and Nairobi as the always busy Nyahururu main stage had no vehicles.
Many drivers withdrew their vehicles and some were parked at petrol stations as they joined the protests. Many travelers who were arriving at the deserted stage were forced to return home.
Others who were affected were school going children including those picked by their school buses as the protestors blocked and lit bonfires along the main roads connecting Nyahururu town particularly along Nyahururu -Olkalou road.
Workers were forced to walk while others chose to stay at home after assessing the situation. Others arrived at their places of work and returned home for their safety.
The only means of transport were few boda boda operators who ferried short distance travelers within Nyahururu and its environs.
However, many passengers lauded and supported the protests adding that they better cancel their travel plans for they are also hit hard by the fuel price hikes.
They called upon the government to act speedily and contain the situation as well as cushion them from rising cost of living due to the fuel price hikes.
Businesses were also not spared as many remained closed with owners fearing vandalism by criminal elements should the protests turn violent.
by Kimani Tirus
