The Matatu Owners Association (MOA) has urged members to operate normally ahead of tomorrow’s second anniversary of the June 25 anti-Finance Bill commemoration.
Albert Karakacha, Chairman of the Matatus Owners Association said matatus across the country would continue providing services as usual, expressing optimism that the planned activities would remain peaceful.
“We believe that tomorrow we are going to work and we have called upon all countrywide matatus to make sure that we are ferrying passengers as usual.” Karakacha said.
At the same time Albert conveyed the association’s condolences to families who lost loved ones during the June 25, 2024 protests and called on police to ensure peace and the safety of all Kenyans during the memorial.
“We support the families which lost their loved ones and we say sorry to them and we’re saying the government that is the police must make sure that they will keep peace and we must make sure that all Kenyans are safe wherever they are.” He said.
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Matatu Owners Association Backs Business as Usual After Countrywide Consultations
The Matatu Owners Association said its decision to maintain normal operations was informed by consultations with operators across the country.
According to the association, members resolved that public transport services should continue uninterrupted, while emphasizing the need for adequate security and peaceful commemorations.
“From yesterday, we’ve been consulting countrywide, and we agreed that because we are going to have peaceful demonstrations, our work is to carry passengers, we will continue carrying passengers as usual, so all matatus will be on the road.” Albert said.
In addition, the chairman said the association had also engaged security agencies and received assurances that matatu operators would be protected as they continue serving commuters.
He noted that while the association supports business as usual, individual vehicle owners would ultimately decide whether to operate.
“So, people will choose because the matatu belongs to the individuals they don’t belong to the companies anybody will decide if they want their vehicles to go on the road.” Karakacha concluded.
 June 25 Protests: Two Years Later
His statement comes as Kenyans mark two years since the June 25, 2024 protests, a day etched in the country’s recent history.
The demonstrations, largely led by young people, were sparked by opposition to the Finance Bill 2024, which critics argued would worsen the cost of living through increased taxation.
What began as peaceful protests later turned chaotic in some areas, amid claims of excessive force by security agencies.
The unrest left dozens dead and many others nursing serious injuries.
In the aftermath, human rights organisations reported arrests and alleged enforced disappearances targeting people linked to the protests.
Two years on, families of victims and civil society groups continue to demand justice, accountability and answers over those killed, injured or reported missing during the demonstrations.
