NAIROBI, Kenya- President William Ruto has defended his engagement with transport sector leaders over the recent fuel crisis, dismissing claims that matatu operators were pressured into calling off their nationwide strike.
Speaking amid growing debate over the government’s handling of soaring fuel prices, Ruto said transport stakeholders made their decision after reviewing the realities surrounding the crisis and government interventions.
“I had a meeting with our transport sector leaders last week on the fuel crisis. I did not tell them to call off the strike; they looked at the facts,” the President said.
“Many people say they were influenced. Maybe they were; by facts,” he added.
The President’s remarks come days after public transport operators suspended a nationwide strike that had paralysed transport services in major towns, including Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu and Nakuru.
The strike had been triggered by sharp increases in diesel prices following global market disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East. Demonstrations over the fuel crisis led to running battles with police, deaths and injuries in several parts of the country.
Following talks chaired by Ruto at State House in Mombasa, transport sector leaders agreed to call off the strike after the government announced plans to lower diesel prices in the next monthly review cycle.
Reuters reported that the government later announced a further reduction of diesel prices by 10 shillings per litre in a move aimed at easing pressure on commuters, transporters and businesses.
During the discussions, Ruto maintained that Kenya had avoided severe fuel shortages through the government-to-government fuel supply framework signed with Middle Eastern suppliers in 2023.
The fuel crisis has intensified pressure on the Kenya Kwanza administration as Kenyans continue grappling with high living costs and rising transport fares.
