Matatu Owners Association chairman Albert Karakacha /HANDOUT

Matatu operators across the country
have threatened to stage a nationwide strike starting Monday next week, citing
government inaction over the recent torching of public service vehicles by boda
boda riders.

MOA
chairman Albert Karakacha said bike riders have been attacking vehicles and
setting them on fire without being charged by the government.

“We
are asking the government because we know the government is supposed to protect
everybody. That they protect us in the transport sector because transport
sector is the huge tax payer,” he said.

Inter-corridor mobility chairman
Joseph Kagai said continued attacks on matatus have created an uncontrollable
security situation, leaving investors in the transport sector exposed to heavy
losses.

“Road
users are here in solidarity, apart from the two-wheel users. The government is
slowly losing authority over the safety of property belonging to our
investors,” he said.

He
warned that operators would not only withdraw their services but also block
major roads, towns and roundabouts countrywide until authorities address the
issue.

Kagai
questioned absence of arrests and investigations into the incidents, noting
that despite the sector being heavily regulated and contributing significantly
through fuel levies and taxes, operators were receiving little protection.

“We
pay fuel levy and taxes that maintain these roads, yet when our vehicles are
attacked and nothing is done. From Monday, it will not be business as usual,”
he said.

He
further cautioned that if the government fails to restore security, operators
may resort to confronting perpetrators themselves, referencing past informal
enforcement methods used in the industry before reforms introduced structured
Sacco operations.

“We
don’t want to take the law into our hands, but if those mandated to protect us
are not doing their job, we will be forced to defend ourselves,” Kagai said.

Karakacha
stressed that operators have no problem complying with tax obligations, but
demanded immediate action to stop further destruction of vehicles.

“Our
only issue is protection. No more vehicles should be burnt and those
responsible must be dealt with,” he said.

The
planned strike, which targets all four-wheel and above road users, threatens to
paralyse transport services in major towns and cities if talks with the
government fail to produce favourable conditions.