Matatu operators in Kisumu have distanced themselves from a nationwide strike even as transport tensions rise across the country following reports of harassment and attacks on public service vehicles.
The strike was called by Matatu Owners Association president Simon Karakacha, who cited growing harassment of matatu crews by boda boda (motorcycle taxi) operators in several towns, including incidents where vehicles have allegedly been set ablaze.
But in Kisumu, local operators said they will not join the industrial action, choosing instead to pursue dialogue with stakeholders to address long-standing conflicts and road safety concerns.
Speaking during a party hosted by Kisumu Central Police Station to celebrate collaboration with members of the public on security matters, Kisumu Matatu Owners Association Chairman Ochieng Omwa said the association had resolved to convene a consultative forum bringing together boda boda operators, police, regulators and road users to iron out the issue.
“We have decided not to demonstrate. Instead, we are calling for dialogue on Thursday, February 5, so that we can sit together and see how to eradicate road carnage and reduce conflicts among road users,” Omwa said.
He said the transport sector was facing a broader crisis of road accidents, with pedestrians, cyclists, boda riders and passengers all at risk.
He noted that many lives have been lost on Kenyan roads since the start of the year, stressing that pedestrians remain among the most vulnerable.
“As a pedestrian walking along the road, are you safe? You are not. That is why we want all stakeholders at the table—matatu operators, boda riders, police, NTSA, KeNHA, Red Cross and even pedestrians,” he said.
Rather than escalating tensions through protests, Omwa said structured engagement will help resolve disputes between matatu and boda boda operators, which have at times turned confrontational in various parts of the country.
Omwa revealed that the demonstration in Kisumu was shelved after consultations with civil society groups and the county security team led by the County Police Commander.
“We sat for more than four hours and agreed we are not demonstrating. That is one thing that will not happen while I am still in office—we will not block roads and inconvenience other Kenyans going about their business,” he said.
He emphasised that while protests are sometimes used to press for action, his association prefers dialogue and legal channels where necessary.
“If dialogue fails, we go to court. But we will not obstruct other road users,” he added.
The chairman also commended the county police leadership for supporting community engagement forums in various estates, saying officers have been responsive when invited to meet residents and transport operators.
He said such cooperation has helped reduce crime and improve order in several areas that previously experienced insecurity linked to youth gangs.
“We appreciate the work our police officers are doing. There may be a few complaints here and there, but overall their effort to work with the community is commendable,” he said.
The planned Thursday forum is expected to chart a joint way forward on road discipline, safety enforcement, dispute resolution between matatu and boda boda operators, and protection of passengers and pedestrians.
While the national strike proceeds in other regions, Kisumu’s matatu operators say their priority will remain dialogue, not disruption.
By Chris Mahandara
