Matatu Operators Call Off Strike After Talks With Ruto - May 2026

Matatu operators have called off their planned strike after successful negotiations with President William Ruto, averting potential transport disruptions. President Ruto announced a forthcoming reduction in the price of diesel by KSh 10 in the next pricing cycle and reduced VAT on petroleum products from 16% to 8%. The CEO of the Federation of Public Transport, Kushien Muchiri, apologized after admitting that criminal elements and politicians infiltrated their protests and torched vehicles. Despite the suspension of the nationwide strike, citizens expressed anger as the cost of living remains high. Religious leaders from Kiambu urged the government to prioritize addressing the high cost of fuel, while residents of Kisumu urged President Ruto to stop dealing with fuel cartels and instead import fuel as a government initiative.