Nyahururu: Hundreds of travelers in Nyandarua County were this morning stranded in Nyahururu town after the nationwide public transport operators strike kicked off to protest recent fuel price hikes. The most affected were long-distance passengers traveling to Nakuru, Nyeri, and Nairobi as the always busy Nyahururu main stage had no vehicles.

According to Kenya News Agency, many drivers withdrew their vehicles, some of which were parked at petrol stations as they joined the protests. Many travelers arriving at the deserted stage were forced to return home. Others affected included school-going children, including those picked by their school buses, as the protesters blocked and lit bonfires along the main roads connecting Nyahururu town, particularly along Nyahururu-Olkalou road.

Workers were forced to walk, while others chose to stay at home after assessing the situation. Some arrived at their places of work and returned home for their safety. The only means of transport were a few boda boda operators who ferried short-distance travelers within Nyahururu and its environs.

However, many passengers lauded and supported the protests, adding that they would rather cancel their travel plans as they are also affected by the fuel price hikes. They called upon the government to act quickly and address the situation, as well as cushion them from the rising cost of living due to the fuel price hikes.

Businesses were not spared either, as many remained closed with owners fearing vandalism by criminal elements should the protests turn violent.