Public transport was disrupted on Monday morning in towns of Embu, Chuka, Nyahururu and Thika as demonstrations escalated over the fuel price hikes.
According to reports, demonstrators lit bonfires on major streets, forcing many public service vehicle operators to suspend operations as tension escalated across the towns.
Police officers managed to disperse the crowds in some towns in a bid to restore order.
Reports indicate that the Embu Matatu Owners Association chairman Abraham Gicovi, clarified that the transport sector was not behind the demonstrations but had taken precautionary measures to protect vehicles and passengers.
However, Gicovi said matatu operators support the grievances being raised by Kenyans, arguing that the government has failed to adequately address the rising cost of fuel and other economic challenges facing citizens.
In a turn of events, the protests were also backed peaceful demonstrations but condemned cases where some motorists were allegedly attacked and vehicles stoned by protesters.
The protests come after the public transport operators called off their nationwide strike following talks with President William Ruto at State House in Mombasa on Friday.
The strike had initially been suspended on May 19 after a two-day nationwide strike that paralysed businesses across the country.
According to PSV operators, the suspension was expected to last for seven days to pave the way for negotiations with the government.
However, the Federation of Public Transport Sector (FPTS) Chairperson Edwins Mukabanah said that operators decided to fully call off the strike, saying operators had resolved to prioritise economic stability as he urged all stakeholders to comply.
