Police have moved fast to enforce the law in Nairobi’s Central Business District after matatu operators blocked major roads as part of the ongoing nationwide strike, bringing public transport to a near standstill on Monday, February 2, 2026.
A heavy police presence was deployed across the CBD to manage the disruption, with officers seen directing traffic and dispersing crowds in key areas.
Several matatus that had been left stationary along major roads were targeted, with police confiscating their registration number plates as enforcement action against operators blocking public roads.
Video clips circulating online show officers armed with tool kits removing number plates from matatus that had been parked across lanes or abandoned in the middle of roads, causing traffic congestion.
The affected vehicles were immobilised as police sought to restore order and keep roads passable for other motorists.
The strike has caused widespread disruption across the city, with thousands of commuters stranded and forced to walk long distances or seek alternative transport such as boda bodas and ride-hailing services.
Long queues were seen at bus stops earlier in the day, while private vehicles dominated CBD roads amid limited matatu movement.
The strike stems from ongoing tensions between matatu operators and boda boda riders, particularly after incidents where matatus were reportedly set ablaze.
In protest, some operators deliberately parked vehicles across the road, while others placed stones on Outer Ring Road near the Kariobangi South roundabout, restricting movement.
On Waiyaki Way, a matatu was seen positioned across lanes, further blocking traffic and contributing to gridlock.
A spot check in the Central Business District revealed unusually low matatu movement, leaving several commuters stuck.
While the Federation of Public Transport Sector (FPTS) had announced on Sunday, February 1, 2025, that the strike was suspended following consultations with security agencies, matatu operators appeared to defy the directive.
“The matatu strike scheduled for Monday, 2nd February 2026, has been suspended following stakeholder consultations. Public transport will operate as usual,” FPTS stated.
The Motorists Association of Kenya confirmed via social media that the strike was indeed underway, adding to the confusion. Ignore these paid detractors. The strike is on.”
