A nationwide transport sector strike on Monday triggered widespread disruptions, running battles between protesters and police, and major road blockades across several counties as demonstrators protested rising fuel prices and transport costs.
By midday, major highways and urban roads in Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos, Nakuru, Meru and other counties had been partially blocked using stones, burning tyres and bonfires, severely disrupting transport and business activities.
In Nairobi, police arrested several demonstrators near the National Archives along Moi Avenue at around noon as officers used tear gas to disperse crowds in nearby areas within the Central Business District.
At the same time, protesters erected burning barricades along Waiyaki Way in Kangemi’s Sodom area, while another roadblock involving burning tyres was reported along Thika Superhighway near Roysambu.
In Kiambu County, police launched clearance operations along sections of the Southern Bypass near Kikuyu, removing stones and debris placed on the road by protesters.
Authorities also responded to a bonfire incident in Thindigua at around 12:30 p.m.
Clashes intensified along the Thika–Garissa Highway near BAT Makongeni in Thika, where at least two people were reportedly injured after confrontations between protesters and police. Demonstrators later blocked the Nairobi–Garissa Road in the Kisii Estate area using stones.
In Meru County, police cleared stone barricades along the Nkubu–Thingithu–Uruku road before engaging protesters in running battles in the Makutano area, where fires had been lit on roads.
Similar scenes were reported in Embu County, where officers removed barricades placed along the Muthatari–Siakago Road.
In Machakos County, clashes erupted in Machakos town after protesters set up burning barricades earlier in the day. Traffic along Mombasa Road near Mlolongo was also disrupted after demonstrators blocked sections of the highway using stones.
Meanwhile, in Nakuru County, police responded to reported break-ins at Powerstar Supermarket in Naivasha. In Nakuru town, protesters blocked Kenyatta Avenue with stones at around 1:00 p.m.
A bonfire was also reported in Marsabit County as protests spread to northern Kenya.
In Kajiado County, police dispersed crowds following a reported break-in and looting incident at a Coca-Cola distribution depot in Kitengela.
Elsewhere, police in Narok town engaged protesters near the new QuickMart supermarket after roads were barricaded using stones.
In Nandi County, officers cleared stones and wooden debris placed on the Kapsabet–Chavakali Road, while running clashes were reported in Kitui town between protesters and security officers.
Public transport operations in Murang’a County remained paralyzed by early afternoon, with Public Service Vehicles reportedly off the roads.
In Kakamega County, one person was reportedly shot and injured near Bukhungu Stadium during confrontations linked to the demonstrations.
The protests follow a strike declaration issued by several transport sector associations, including matatu operators, truckers, boda boda riders and taxi associations, who had directed vehicles to remain off the roads until fuel prices are reduced.
Authorities warned that the ongoing industrial action could continue causing major disruptions to transport networks nationwide, including traffic congestion, delays in cargo movement, increased fares and sporadic protests along major highways and urban centres.
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