Section of Thika Road barricaded amid ongoing matatu strike
By Mustafa Juma, May 18, 2026A section of Thika Road was barricaded on Monday, May 18, 2026, in the morning, as the nationwide matatu strike over rising fuel prices took effect, causing major disruption to transport along one of Nairobi’s busiest highways.
The affected stretch is around the Roysambu area, where protesters blocked the road using stones and burning tyres, bringing traffic flow to a standstill and leaving motorists stranded.
Videos and photos that have been circulated online showed vehicles unable to move through the corridor, with some forced to make U-turns as a section of demonstrators occupied parts of the roadway.
Matatu strike
The unrest comes as the transport sector’s nationwide shutdown officially began following the implementation of a fuel price protest spearheaded by the Transport Sector Alliance.
The strike involves matatu operators, boda boda riders, cargo transporters, ride-hailing drivers, and other road users who are protesting what they term as unsustainable fuel prices that have pushed up the cost of living.
The protest action has already begun disrupting movement in several parts of Nairobi and other urban centres, with fears that the situation could escalate if the standoff continues.
Many Kenyans were forced to walk to work, with those opting for motorcycles being forced to dig deeper into their pockets.
Motorists have been urged to avoid affected routes as security agencies monitor the situation and attempt to restore order.
The protestors argue that rising fuel costs have triggered a ripple effect across the economy, increasing transport fares, food prices, and general living expenses.
Support of the strike
Gospel artist Reuben Kigame has declared full support for the nationwide transport strike called by the Transport Sector Alliance, accusing the government of burdening Kenyans with soaring fuel prices and a rising cost of living.
In a video message delivered in Swahili via his official X account on Sunday, May 17, 2026, night, the activist-cum-politician said he would stand in solidarity with transport operators and ordinary citizens participating in the industrial action that began at midnight.
Kigame said the strike was justified because transport operators across the country were struggling under the weight of rising fuel prices.
“Kama mwalimu Reuben Kigame, ninatangaza rasmi kwamba ninatetea na kusupport kikamilifu ule mgomo wa Transport Sector Alliance ambao umeitishwa kuanzia usiku wa manane leo na jumatatu yote nchini Kenya. Ninaungana nao kwa roho yangu yote kwa sababu wao transporters wanaumia,” Kigame said.
The politician and gospel musician noted that matatu operators, bus companies, school transport providers, boda boda riders, truck owners, and other transport players were all facing severe economic pressure.
“Malori, mabasi, transporters wa shule, pikipiki, matatu, na kila mtu, anaumia kwasababu ya bei ya mafuta kwenda juu,” he said.