Four people died and more than 30 others sustained injuries on Monday during violent nationwide protests against soaring fuel prices in Kenya. Security forces clashed with demonstrators as a strike by the Transport Sector Alliance paralyzed transit across 29 counties, leading to 348 arrests.
The unrest intensified when police deployed tear gas and live ammunition to disperse crowds blocking major thoroughfares, including the Thika Superhighway and Waiyaki Way. Demonstrators lit bonfires, burned tires, and threw stones to protest the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority’s recent price hike. The review pushed super petrol prices above KSh 214 per litre and diesel to nearly KSh 243 per litre.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights confirmed the casualties, noting that several victims suffered gunshot wounds during the demonstrations. In Nairobi, Mombasa, and Eldoret, opportunists looted businesses and vandalized property amid the transport paralysis. Meanwhile, active motorcycle riders and private motorists exploited stranded commuters by tripling normal transit fares.
“We deeply regret the loss of life and property witnessed across the country during yesterday’s transport disruption,” said Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen during a late-night press briefing. “While citizens have a constitutional right to peaceful assembly, law enforcement officers will continue to firmly apprehend individuals who destroy infrastructure or endanger public safety.”
Treasury Minister John Mbadi defended the price hikes during a televised broadcast, citing global oil supply constraints caused by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Mbadi stated that Kenya’s current fuel prices remain heavily subsidized and called the strike an ineffective response to international market forces.
The widespread economic disruption forced numerous schools to suspend operations and kept thousands of workers from reaching their businesses. In response to the growing crisis, transport operators convened emergency late-night negotiations with government representatives to seek a legislative compromise.
The Transport Sector Alliance temporarily called off the street protests early Tuesday morning to allow for further consultations regarding fuel tax reductions. Public commuter vehicles slowly resumed operations on major highways, though union leaders warned that drivers would strike again if the government fails to lower pump prices.
