Business in Kirinyaga County came to a standstill, on Monday, after matatu drivers went on strike protesting invasion by Probox cars.
Riot police in full combat gear were seen patrolling bus stages at Kerugoya and Kutus towns after tension broke out in the area.
The drivers who boycotted work for the better part of the morning accused the traffic police of allowing the cars to operate public transport business.
The Kukena Sacco chairman David Muriithi claimed that the Probox cars had not complied with public transport regulations and were giving them unfair competition.
"The operators of Probox cars are carrying passengers in the region with the full knowledge of traffic officers. Our pleas to have these vehicles stopped from operating as passengers service vehicles have fallen on deaf ears," he protested.
As a result of the strike, many passengers were stranded at various bus stages in the region with those travelling shorter distances opting to walk.
Deputy County Commissioner Daniel Ndege arrived at the scene and called for calm.
He assured the protesters that the order by Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i was still in force and warned that those flouting it will face the full force of the law.
"No vehicle which is not authorized to carry passengers should operate in the region. I will ensure that a major crackdown is carried out with a view to impound all the Probox cars whose owners are breaking the traffic law," Ndege told the protesters.
However, the matatu drivers vowed to continue with the strike until CS Matiang'i intervenes.
