Kenya Fuel Protests Turn Deadly As Nationwide Strike Paralyses Transport

By Staff Reporter

At least four people have been killed and more than 30 others injured after violent protests erupted across Kenya over soaring fuel prices, as a nationwide transport strike brought major cities to a standstill on Monday.

The demonstrations began after public transport operators downed tools in protest against sharp increases in petrol and diesel prices announced by the government last week. Large crowds took to the streets in cities including Nairobi and Mombasa, where protesters blocked roads using burning tyres and stones while anti-riot police responded with tear gas.

Kenya’s Interior Minister, Kipchumba Murkomen, confirmed the deaths during a televised address.

> “We lost four Kenyans in today’s violence, which also saw more than 30 people injured,” Murkomen said.

Authorities also revealed that at least 348 people had been arrested during the unrest.

The protests were triggered by steep fuel price hikes that have intensified pressure on already struggling households. According to reports, petrol prices in Nairobi rose to 214.25 Kenyan shillings per litre, while diesel climbed to 242.92 shillings per litre following consecutive monthly increases.

### Transport Strike Cripples Major Cities

Roads leading into Nairobi’s central business district were largely deserted as buses and minibuses remained off the roads. Thousands of commuters were reportedly forced to walk long distances to work and school after public transport services were suspended.

Transport association chairman Albert Karakacha warned that the strike would continue despite ongoing discussions with government officials.

> “We have not agreed on anything. What we are urging the president is that he must do something because the strike will continue,” Karakacha said.

Negotiations between government officials, transport operators and energy stakeholders reportedly failed to produce a breakthrough by Monday evening.

Residents say the rising fuel costs have also triggered sharp increases in food and transport prices. Public relations worker Gabriel Odhiambo said many ordinary Kenyans were struggling to cope with the rising cost of living.

> “Transport costs have doubled and food prices are also rising,” he said.

### Government Cites Global Oil Crisis

Kenya’s Ministry of Energy and Petroleum defended the fuel increases, blaming instability in the global oil market linked to tensions involving Iran. The government said disruptions affecting oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz had pushed import costs higher.

Murkomen further alleged that criminal groups had infiltrated some demonstrations and targeted both public and private property.

> “Criminal elements were mobilised to target government and personal property,” he claimed.

However, opposition leader Rigathi Gachagua accused President William Ruto’s administration of profiting from the fuel hikes.

Human rights organisations condemned the killings, with Kenyan rights group Vocal Africa criticising what it described as the use of lethal force against protesters.

The unrest has revived painful memories of the anti-tax demonstrations that shook Kenya in June 2024, when rights groups alleged that at least 60 people were killed during clashes between police and protesters.