Kenyan truck drivers operating within the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) route have been advised to stop operations due to the killings of 12 drivers, including a Kenyan national.
The Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (LoDDCA) issued the advisory on October 20, as seen by
Kenyans.co.ke, confirming that a strike over insecurity had officially commenced.
The strike has paralysed truck movement along the Mahagi-Kisangani route in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with drivers demanding urgent action against growing security threats.
“The Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association (LoDDCA) confirms that the drivers' strike over insecurity along the Mahagi-Kisangani route in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has officially commenced today, 20 October 2026. There is currently no movement of trucks along the affected route, as drivers take a stand against growing security threats and demand urgent action to protect transport workers operating in the DRC,” LoDDCA stated.
Images of the aftermarth of attack on Kenyan drivers in DRC.
Photo
LoDCA
The transport lobby said the industrial action followed reports of the killing of 12 drivers, including a Kenyan national identified as Mohamed Tahili. His death has since heightened concerns among truck drivers.
The association called on transporters, clearing and forwarding agents, logistics companies, cargo owners and shippers to immediately suspend loading and dispatching cargo destined for Congo.
“In light of the strike and the prevailing security concerns, LoDDCA urgently calls upon all transporters, clearing and forwarding agents, logistics companies, cargo owners and shippers to immediately suspend the loading and dispatch of cargo destined for the DRC through the affected corridor,” LoDDCA added.
It warned that continuing to load trucks while drivers remained on strike could leave cargo stranded and expose workers to pressure to enter unsafe areas.
LoDDCA also demanded urgent engagement between drivers, their representatives, the DRC government, security agencies, transport regulators and regional trade bodies to address the security concerns.
The association further wants authorities to strengthen cross-border security coordination and improve the timely sharing of information to help drivers assess risks before travelling through affected areas.
It further called for investigations into the reported killings and stronger protection for transport workers operating in the DRC, where insecurity continues to disrupt cargo movement.
The DRC government has largely remained silent or slow to formally address the mounting security crisis and targeted attacks on long-distance truck drivers, though bilateral security talks have occurred with neighbouring nations like Zambia.
The Kenyan Government, on the other hand, through East African Community (EAC) Affairs Principal Secretary Caroline Karugu, maintains that Kenya has stepped up diplomatic efforts and held bilateral talks to protect truck drivers and traders.
Wreckage of a truck set on fire in South Sudan.
The Standard