Fears over a planned protest on Monday sparked anxiety among commuters in parts of Nairobi and its outskirts, with social media users reporting transport disruptions, roadblocks and unusually high fares on some routes.
Several users on X claimed they were forced to walk long distances before finding transport, while sections of the mainstream media reported that transport operations in Thika town had been disrupted after some roads were allegedly blocked during demonstrations over high fuel prices.
Many of the posts claimed that a section of the Thika Superhighway at Witeithie had been blocked from as early as 3 am, causing delays and uncertainty among travellers heading to Nairobi.
“Goons masquerading as protesters have closed Ruiru overpass and Witeithie and are demanding ‘toll’ for you to pass,” one user claimed, accompanying the post with a screenshot of a mobile money transaction showing a payment of Sh400 allegedly made to gain passage.
“Only a few vehicles are visible on the highway. Mambo ni mawili, ulipe hiyo doh ama utembee,” another user posted.
The reports emerged despite matatu operators on Friday ending uncertainty over a possible return of transport disruptions after holding talks with President William Ruto at State House, Mombasa, on Thursday.
The operators had earlier suspended their planned industrial action for seven days to allow negotiations with the government following a nationwide protest over soaring fuel prices that brought public transport services close to a standstill in several parts of the country.
Following the talks, Ruto and transport sector representatives announced that most of the industry’s concerns had been addressed.
The government also pledged to reduce the price of diesel by Sh10 per litre in the June–July fuel price review, adding to measures already introduced to cushion consumers and businesses from rising global oil prices.
Even as reports of disruptions circulated online, residents in other areas said transport services were operating normally.
“What’s the situation on your roads? Kuna mgomo? Murang’a magari iko site,” one user posted.
“Thika Road junction around TRM. Buses and matatus moving normally, traffic police on the ground to control traffic. It’s business as usual,” another wrote.
“Kumbe kuna maandamano. Ile mbio nimerudi home,” added another user.
The conflicting accounts created confusion among commuters trying to determine whether they could travel to work without interruption.
“Are matatu operating or not? Seen so many contradicting tweets,” one user asked.
“Kuna protests leo ama niamke niende kazi?” another posted.
A resident of Thika also shared a video purportedly showing demonstrations in Makongeni.
“Thika Makongeni maandamano imeanza. Huku hakuna gari stage. Witeithie naskia wameanza kuwasha moto kwa highway,” the user captioned the clip.
As uncertainty spread online, some users urged Kenyans to share updates from their localities to help fellow commuters navigate any disruptions.
“Update your road status in the comments to help others. Fares from Githurai, Roysambu and Roasters/Garden City all the way to Allsops and the CBD have hit Sh300-Sh400 due to lack of matatus,” one user claimed.
However, reports from the ground suggested that transport services remained largely operational along major routes.
“Matatus are fully operational, buses are fully operational, Kenyans are moving, so if you are headed into town from the Thika Road Superhighway, there’s no sign of a matatu strike,” TV47 reported.
