NAIROBI, Kenya- Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has condemned the deaths of four Kenyans during violent fuel protests, warning politicians against exploiting public anger to incite chaos and destruction.
Speaking after a day marked by unrest in several parts of the country, Murkomen described the deaths as tragic and avoidable, saying innocent Kenyans had paid the ultimate price during demonstrations linked to soaring fuel prices and the nationwide matatu strike.
“It is unfortunate that we lost four Kenyans in today’s violence,” Murkomen said.
“It is very regrettable that there are politicians in this country who measure the success of opposition to the government by the number of innocent lives lost.”
The protests erupted after sharp fuel price increases announced in the latest review by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), triggering outrage among transport operators and commuters already burdened by the high cost of living.
Murkomen accused unnamed political leaders of mobilising gangs and encouraging hostility against government supporters and projects.
“We are witnessing a clear scheme where a section of the political class is making incendiary statements to fuel intolerance and organize gangs to spread terror,” he said.
The CS also cited incidents of looting, burning of property and attacks targeting leaders allied to the government, including the destruction of UDA offices in Wote and vandalism linked to the Rironi-Mau Summit road project.
Despite the tension, Murkomen maintained that the government remained committed to restoring calm and protecting lives and property.
“At no time will lawlessness be allowed to take root in any part of our country,” he warned.
The government has attributed the fuel crisis to disruptions in global oil supply chains caused by international conflict, insisting that the G-to-G fuel import programme had helped Kenya avoid a complete fuel shortage.
However, pressure continues to mount on the Kenya Kwanza administration as Kenyans demand urgent interventions to lower fuel prices and ease the rising cost of living.
