Transport in Nyeri town was thrown into chaos on Monday after PSV drivers and business owners staged protests against their relocation to the new Field Marshal Muthoni Kirima bus terminus.
Matatu operators blocked several roads in the town, paralysing movement and leaving hundreds of passengers, including schoolchildren, stranded.
The operators, who marched to the County Commissioner’s office, demanded his intervention in the ongoing standoff, arguing that the relocation would affect their businesses and livelihoods.
Operations came to a halt as early as 6am, with vehicles parked across the town’s three main bus parks.
The protest, initially peaceful, later turned violent in some areas. At least three matatu owners reported damage to their vehicles after windscreens were smashed while attempting to ferry passengers.
Tension escalated as a group of youth who were described as hired goons lit bonfires on major roads and kept vigil to stop any operators from defying the strike.
At one point, images and videos obtained by Kenyans.co.ke showed the protestors blocking a medical ambulance that had gone to attend to the injured.
However, after several attempts and pleas, they allowed the ambulance to pass through and attend to those injured during the protests.
The Ksh600 million bus park, located in the Asian Quarters, has been a source of dispute between matatu operators and the county government, with the matter still pending in court.
The court upheld the county government’s plan to move PSVs to the newly built terminus from the initial Nyeri Bus Park located at the town's central business district (CBD), funded by a World Bank grant, on the argument that it would help in easing traffic congestion in the town.
In response, County Commissioner Ronald Mwiwawi urged calm, calling on operators to hold dialogue with their leaders, county officials, and local political representatives to find a lasting solution.
He, however, maintained that he could not interfere with an earlier court ruling that allowed the relocation, noting that only an appeal process could resolve the legal dispute.
