A section of leaders who were left out of a key Mombasa consultative meeting are now planning a separate gathering next week aimed at pushing out Matatu Owners Association chairperson Albert Karakacha, along with other officials who participated in the high-level talks with President William Ruto.
The disgruntled faction accuses the delegation that travelled to Mombasa of betrayal, arguing that the agreements reached with government representatives do not reflect the wider interests of matatu operators across the country.
Tensions have been further fuelled by claims that the negotiation process was selectively managed.
According to reports aired by Citizen TV, government operatives involved in the discussions are alleged to have preferred engaging more compliant voices, while deliberately sidelining outspoken leaders such as Kennedy Kaunda, who they reportedly considered hardliners.
The fallout has exposed deep fractures within the sector, with rival camps now openly competing for legitimacy and control of the industry’s leadership structures.
Efforts to present a united front after the intervention by President Ruto now appear to be unravelling as accusations of betrayal and exclusion dominate internal discussions.
As the planned meeting approaches, both factions are expected to harden their positions, raising uncertainty over future negotiations with government on transport regulation and strike-related demands.
Analysts warn that if the rift is not addressed urgently, it could spill over and disrupt public transport services in several parts of the country.
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