- A nationwide matatu strike over rising fuel prices paralysed transport across major towns, leaving thousands of commuters stranded
- Images and videos showed frustrated commuters trekking to town, with visible strain as they navigated on foot
- An elderly woman shared her ordeal after walking from Kangemi to Westlands, decrying high fares and urging government intervention
Transport in major towns was paralysed following a nationwide matatu strike over high fuel prices.
Source: Facebook
Public transport operators failed to show up for work on Monday, May 18, decrying the rising cost of petrol and diesel in the country.
As a result, hundreds of commuters were left stranded across various parts of Nairobi.
In videos and images shared online, large groups of people were seen walking along the roadside towards town, heading to work on foot.
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Kenyans trek to work due to matatu strike
The frustration was visible on their faces as they hurried along major roads after matatus failed to show up.
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Moreover, the protests that began at midnight saw matatus and buses withdraw services on major routes, disrupting morning travel for workers and students heading to school.
Several passengers who could not walk to work were forced to seek alternative transport, as queues built up at bus stages with no vehicles in sight.
An elderly woman expressed her distress after walking from Kangemi to Westlands.
She said fares had been doubled by the few matatus available in the morning and urged the government to consider ordinary Kenyans.
“I am so distressed because of what is happening. I have had to walk all the way from Kangemi since I have to make ends meet and provide. There are no matatus on the road, and the ones available are charging KSh 100. What kind of life is this?” she said.
She further said that at her age, trekking such a long distance was not right, blaming the government for her distress.
Netizens react to high fuel prices
Kenyans online reacted sharply, with mixed opinions on the strike, fuel prices, and the rising cost of living in the country.
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Joseph Mringera:
“Waongeze masaa ya kwenda office from 8.00 am to 11.30 am na kutoka ni 1.30 pm.”
Kamau Frank:
“When a fire erupts in a forest, snakes and rats are forced to share a hole peacefully. This can make Kenyans healthy, exercise.”
Boaz Oyier:
“The matatu strike is good, better than hiking fares for the common man. Passengers should join in. Or they should set fares equal to the price of 1 litre so people understand the impact.”
PK Misoi Arts:
“Good work. Continue punishing yourself, at least fuel is available at petrol stations.”
Mopao Mopao:
“Today’s oil price increase protest is not just about transport. It’s about groceries and other food commodities. The cost of living is rising, and savings are depleting. We have a government that has failed to manage crises… from COVID-19 to drought and other challenges.”
Source: NGBREAKINGNEWS
