Public transport was disrupted on Monday morning in towns of Embu, Chuka, Nyahururu and Thika as protesters took to the streets over the high fuel prices.
Protesters lit bonfires on major streets, forcing many public service vehicle operators to suspend transport operations as tension escalated across the towns.
Police officers managed to disperse the crowds in some towns in a bid to restore order.
The Embu Matatu Owners Association chairman Abraham Gicovi, clarified that the transport sector was not behind the demonstrations but had taken precautionary measures to protect vehicles and passengers.
“We decided to withdraw our vehicles after protesters started lighting fires on the streets. We feared some vehicles could be attacked or burnt,” said Gicovi.
Despite the disruption, Gicovi said matatu operators support the grievances being raised by Kenyans, arguing that the government has failed to adequately address the rising cost of fuel and other economic challenges facing citizens.
Residents who spoke during the protests also backed peaceful demonstrations but condemned cases where some motorists were allegedly attacked and vehicles stoned by protesters.
The protests, however, come after the public transport operators called off their nationwide strike following talks with President William Ruto at State House in Mombasa on Friday.
The strike had been suspended on May 19 after a two-day nationwide strike that paralyzed businesses across the country.
PSV operators had said that the suspension would last for seven days to pave the way for negotiations with the government.
The Federation of Public Transport Sector (FPTS) Chairperson Edwins Mukabanah said that operators decided to fully call off the strike, saying operators had resolved to prioritize economic stability as he urged all stakeholders to comply.
“We’re looking up to the President to ensure that he drives the agenda of public transport. We have been promised a lot of things, including electric motor vehicles. We also thank you for your statement on auctioneering and insurance, which is fantastic for us. Wananchi, please bear with us, the economy comes first,” he added.
