Matatu operators have rejected claims that bribery influenced their decision to suspend a nationwide strike. They emphasized that the decision followed consultations with government officials regarding fuel prices and transport sector issues.
In a phone interview on May 20, 2026, Paul Thiong’o, Chairman of Forward Travellers, shared that leaders engaged in extensive discussions with officials from the Interior Ministry, Transport Ministry, energy sector representatives, and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, focusing on rising fuel costs and taxation affecting public transport.
“We engaged in thorough discussions with the Interior and Transport ministries, along with other stakeholders, including the Governor of Nairobi, to address our concerns about fuel taxation and pump prices,” Thiong’o stated.
He defended the choice to suspend the strike without a formal legislative resolution, highlighting that political and administrative assurances significantly influenced their decision.
The operators also countered claims that the presidency did not impact fuel pricing, asserting that previous executive statements had prompted parliamentary action.
“We place our trust primarily in Governor Sakaja, who has positioned himself as our guarantor. We believe he will advocate for us when the president returns,” Thiong’o expressed.
The suspension of the nationwide matatu strike followed government talks with public transport stakeholders regarding rising fuel costs.
In a statement from the Ministry of Interior and National Administration on May 19, 2026, the government announced that both parties agreed to continue negotiations while transport operators resumed services nationwide.
The strike had previously disrupted transport in Nairobi and other towns on May 19, leaving many commuters stranded. Protests in some areas escalated, resulting in bonfires, blocked roads, and clashes with police.
The government announced a Ksh10 per litre reduction in diesel prices on the night of May 18, 2026, and adjusted kerosene prices to prevent fuel adulteration.
Following the meeting on May 19, both sides agreed to further discussions.
“After our morning meeting, we agreed on the need for continued negotiations between the Government and stakeholders, and we have suspended the strike for one week to facilitate this dialogue,” the statement concluded.
