MATATU OWNERS CONFIRM NORMAL OPERATIONS ON JUNE 25 DESPITE PLANNED DEMOS.
Written by Boaz Nyabuto on June 24, 2026
The Matatu Owners Association (MOA) has assured Kenyans that public transport services will operate normally across the country on June 25, 2026, despite growing anxiety over planned demonstrations marking the second anniversary of the Gen Z protests.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the association dismissed fears of a transport shutdown and urged commuters to go about their daily activities as usual.
MOA Chairman Albert Karakacha said matatu operators would continue offering services across all routes, assuring passengers that no industry-wide strike or suspension of operations had been planned.
The association, however, expressed solidarity with families affected by the June 25, 2024, protests, which left dozens dead and hundreds injured during nationwide demonstrations against the Finance Bill.
Karakacha noted that while Kenyans have a constitutional right to commemorate the day and demand accountability, the country must also pursue justice and national unity.
The assurance comes amid growing unease over how Wednesday’s demonstrations could affect businesses, schools, transport services, and other economic activities.
Security agencies have in recent days intensified preparations ahead of the protests, with concerns mounting over the possibility of criminal elements infiltrating otherwise peaceful demonstrations.
On Tuesday, the new General Service Unit (GSU) Commandant Johana Kiplangat Tonui convened a briefing for commanders, directing officers to remain vigilant and maintain law and order in their respective areas.
The commandant further instructed officers to uphold professionalism, act within the law, and prioritise the protection of lives and property.
His remarks came a day after Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen directed police officers to use minimal force during the demonstrations while dealing firmly with criminals who may attempt to exploit the protests.
Murkomen revealed that he had instructed IG Douglas Kanja to remind officers of constitutional provisions governing the use of force, stressing the need to avoid unnecessary loss of life during crowd control operations.
Meanwhile, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has maintained that June 25 will remain a normal working day and not a public holiday, urging Kenyans to continue with their economic activities even as others participate in peaceful commemorative events across the country.
