Kalonzo, Karua, Matiang’i defend fuel strike as crisis deepens

Opposition leaders led by Wiper party Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua of People’s Liberation Party (PLP) and former Interior Cabinet Secretary who doubles as the Jubilee Party presidential aspirant Fred Matiang’i have defended the ongoing nationwide transport strike, saying it is a legitimate response to rising fuel prices and worsening economic hardship.

Their remarks came as thousands of commuters across Kenya remained stranded on Monday following a transport shutdown that paralysed matatu, bus and logistics services in major towns and cities.

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka said the strike by the Transport Sector Alliance (TSA) was a predictable outcome of what he termed poor government policy, accusing the Kenya Kwanza administration of ignoring the plight of ordinary citizens.

“The Transport Sector Alliance did not act without cause, and their strike is a legitimate response to illegitimate policy,” Kalonzo said, adding that the government had repeatedly placed its interests above those of citizens.

He criticised the recent fuel price increases announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), which saw diesel rise by Sh46.29 per litre and super petrol by Sh16.65.

Kalonzo said the increases had worsened the cost-of-living crisis and triggered widespread economic disruption, including supply chain interruptions and rising food prices. He called for immediate talks between the government and transport operators, and demanded the reversal of the fuel price hike and resignation of Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi.

He also urged President William Ruto’s administration to engage the transport sector, warning that continued silence amounted to negligence.

People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua also backed the strike, describing the current economic situation as an “unmitigated disaster”.

Karua accused the government of over-taxation and failing to cushion Kenyans from rising fuel and living costs, saying transport operators and commuters had been pushed to breaking point.

“Our transport operators and daily commuters are not striking because they want to disrupt the peace; they are striking because they can no longer afford to breathe under this administration’s punitive fuel levies,” she said.

Karua also criticised Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi’s appeal for patience while President Ruto is abroad, arguing that citizens cannot wait for relief while taxes and fuel costs continue to rise.

Former Interior CS Fred Matiang’i also aligned himself with the protests, blaming the government’s fuel import strategy for contributing to economic hardship and accusing authorities of enabling cartels.

Former Law Society of Kenya president Faith Odhiambo warned that the strike and fuel price hikes could trigger a deeper economic crisis if not urgently addressed.

She said fuel was central to the economy and warned that the shutdown could disrupt supply chains, trade and access to essential services.

“Workers are unable to reach their jobs. Goods will fail to reach markets. Emergency and essential services would face delays,” Odhiambo said.

She urged the government to engage stakeholders in the transport and energy sectors to stabilise fuel prices, warning that failure to act could push households and businesses into further distress.

The statements came as the nationwide strike, led by the Transport Sector Alliance, entered its second day, leaving major roads across Nairobi and other towns deserted.

The coalition—comprising matatu operators, truckers, boda boda riders, taxi operators and private motorists—declared the shutdown “99 per cent successful”, saying no vehicle would operate until demands on fuel pricing were addressed.

Across Nairobi, including Thika Road, Mombasa Road, Waiyaki Way, Jogoo Road and Ngong Road, commuters were forced to walk long distances to work as transport services remained largely suspended. Some boda bodas continued operating but charged sharply inflated fares.

The alliance is demanding reversal of the latest fuel price increase, reduction of petrol and diesel prices to about Sh152 per litre, and long-term stabilisation between Sh140 and Sh150.

It is also calling for the resignation of the energy minister, disbandment of EPRA, reform of fuel procurement systems and revival of the Changamwe Oil Refinery.

The strike, triggered by EPRA’s latest review on May 14, 2026 has intensified political debate and warnings from legal and business leaders, who say rising fuel costs could deepen Kenya’s economic strain if unresolved.