Former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has welcomed the suspension of the nationwide matatu strike, commending both the government and transport stakeholders for reaching what he described as a “patriotic resolution” after two days of disruption and protests across the country.

Kuria further asked several governors, especially from Mt Kenya region, to assess the damage caused following the chaos and destruction witnessed in some areas within their jurisdiction.

In a statement shared on X on May 19, 2026, Kuria said, “I take this opportunity to congratulate the Government and Industry stakeholders for reaching a patriotic resolution of the strike. To my friend, Kisumu Governor Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o, you may now proceed to promote Kisumu as a destination for tourism and investments. To my friends Governors Kangata, Wamatangi, Waiguru and Kahiga, you may now send your teams to take count of burnt shops in Muranga Town, Githurai, Kagio and Nyeri. It’s safe now.”

His remarks came shortly after the Ministry of Interior confirmed that the strike had been suspended for one week to allow further negotiations between the government and transport operators while public transport services resumed.

Strike paralysed transport and disrupted businesses

The nationwide strike began on Monday, May 18, 2026, following sharp increases in fuel prices that triggered protests from matatu operators, truck drivers, boda boda riders and other transport stakeholders.

The demonstrations paralysed transport in Nairobi and several major towns, leaving thousands of commuters stranded and forcing many Kenyans to walk long distances to work and school.

Transport operators had demanded deeper reductions in diesel prices, arguing that the rising cost of fuel had made operations unsustainable.

In response, the government announced a Ksh10 reduction in diesel prices and adjusted kerosene prices as part of efforts to reduce fuel adulteration linked to the large price gap between diesel and subsidised kerosene.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the government was responding to global fuel price pressures linked to the Middle East crisis and noted that measures such as VAT reductions and fuel stabilisation subsidies had already been implemented.

Violence, arrests and resumption of services

Despite the suspension of the strike, authorities continue to assess the destruction caused during the protests in several towns and trading centres.

Demonstrators lit tyre bonfires, blocked roads with stones and clashed with police in areas including Kitengela, Githurai and parts of Central Kenya.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations warned against criminal activity during demonstrations, stating that offences including looting, arson, road blockades and attacks on motorists or police officers would attract prosecution.

According to the DCI, more than 700 people were arrested nationwide, including 189 in Nairobi, 259 in Rift Valley, 142 in Central and 103 in Eastern region.

The Kenya Red Cross described the overall situation as stable but noted continued transport challenges in some areas.

Public transport operators, including Super Metro and Metrotrans, later confirmed the resumption of normal services and distanced themselves from acts of violence and destruction witnessed during the protests.

Further negotiations between transport stakeholders and government officials are expected in the coming days as discussions continue on fuel pricing and taxation concerns.