Matatu operators have dismissed claims that their decision to suspend a planned nationwide strike was influenced by bribery, insisting the move followed consultations with government officials over fuel prices and transport sector concerns.

Speaking during a phone interview with a local station on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, Paul Thiong’o, Chairman, Forward Travellers, said leaders held lengthy talks with Interior Ministry officials, the Transport Ministry, energy sector representatives and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, focusing on rising fuel costs and taxation affecting public transport.

“We have had very lengthy discussions with the Interior ministry, Transport ministry and other stakeholders, including the Governor of Nairobi, where we were trying to present our issues on fuel taxation and reduction of pump prices,” Thiong’o said.

Decision to call off strike

He defended the decision to call off the strike without a formal legislative resolution, arguing that political and administrative assurances played a key role in their decision-making.

They also dismissed claims that the presidency had no role in influencing fuel prices, insisting that previous executive pronouncements had triggered parliamentary action.

“We based our trust mostly on Governor Sakaja because I think he was called as our guarantor and he defined himself as our guarantor. We trust him that the president will do something when he comes back,” Thiong’o stated.,

Motorist strike suspension

This comes after the nationwide matatu strike was suspended for one week after the government held talks with public transport sector stakeholders over the rising cost of fuel.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Interior and National Administration on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, the government said both sides agreed to continue negotiations while transport operators resume services across the country.

The strike had disrupted transport in Nairobi and other towns on Monday and Tuesday, May 19, 2026, leaving thousands of commuters stranded. In several areas, protests turned chaotic as demonstrators lit bonfires, blocked roads and clashed with police.

The government announced that it had reduced the price of diesel by Ksh10 per litre on Monday night, May 18, 2026. It also adjusted kerosene prices to prevent fuel adulteration by dealers mixing kerosene with diesel.

Following Tuesday morning’s May 19, 2026, meeting, both sides agreed to continue discussions.

“Following a meeting this morning between the Government and representatives of public sector stakeholders, we agreed as follows: That there was need for further negotiations between the Government and the stakeholders; That the strike is suspended for one week to give room for the negotiations,” the statement added.