By Bonface Mulyungi

A black Mazda car was set ablaze on Monday in the middle of the road in Githurai as protests linked to the nationwide transport strike over rising fuel prices escalated across parts of Nairobi and its outskirts.

The vehicle was seen engulfed in flames as thick smoke billowed into the air, further disrupting movement along the busy corridor during a day already marked by transport paralysis, protests and running battles between demonstrators and police.

The circumstances surrounding how the car caught fire were not immediately clear, and authorities had not confirmed whether the vehicle was deliberately torched, caught in protest-related unrest or was abandoned before the blaze.

The incident came amid heightened tensions in Githurai and neighbouring sections of Thika Road, where sections of protesters barricaded roads, disrupted traffic and engaged police in confrontations as anger over increased fuel prices spilt onto the streets.

Monday’s nationwide strike, organised by transport sector players protesting recent fuel price hikes, paralysed transport services across major towns and highways, forcing thousands of commuters to walk long distances or pay inflated fares where transport remained available.

In the morning, the National Police Service had assured Kenyans of security, warning that disruptive conduct would be dealt with firmly.

“The National Police Service wishes to assure Kenyans of their security as they go about their duties,” police said in an earlier statement.

“Security measures have been enhanced, and any disruptive conduct will be dealt with firmly and in accordance with the law.”

Despite the assurance, protests intensified in multiple areas including Ruiru Bypass, Nairobi-Namanga Highway and sections of Thika Road, where demonstrators erected barricades and disrupted normal traffic flow.

The burning vehicle in Githurai added to fears of escalating unrest as the strike increasingly took on broader anti-cost-of-living sentiments beyond the transport sector.

Commuters and motorists were forced to avoid affected sections as police maintained heavy deployment in a bid to restore order.

Transport stakeholders have blamed the government and the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) for recent fuel price increases, arguing that high costs have made transport operations unsustainable while also burdening ordinary citizens through increased fares and commodity prices.

Traffic remains severely affected in several parts of Nairobi, with authorities continuing to monitor the evolving situation.

No casualties had been officially reported in connection with the burning vehicle by press time.