NAIROBI, Kenya — Opposition leader Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka has sharply criticised the government over rising fuel prices, linking the ongoing transport paralysis across the country to recent policy decisions by State agencies.
In a strongly worded public statement issued on Monday, Kalonzo accused the administration of President William Ruto of worsening the cost of living through what he termed “reckless fuel price escalation.”
His remarks come amid widespread disruption of transport services following a strike by transport operators protesting high fuel costs.
Fuel hike at centre of standoff
The crisis escalated after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced significant increases in fuel prices on May 14, 2026.
The adjustments raised diesel by Sh46.29 per litre and super petrol by Sh16.65 per litre.
The new prices triggered anger among transport operators, who argue that the increases have made public transport economically unsustainable.
Kalonzo said the decision was made without public consultation and has placed severe pressure on households already struggling with the cost of living.
Transport strike paralyses major towns
Following the announcement, the Transport Sector Alliance called for industrial action, leading to widespread disruption across Nairobi and other urban centres.
Commuters were left stranded in multiple estates as matatus stayed off the roads. Many residents were forced to walk long distances or rely on boda boda transport.
Kalonzo said the situation reflects what he described as policy failure, arguing that the crisis was predictable and avoidable.
Calls for resignation and dialogue
In his statement, Kalonzo demanded that Cabinet Secretary for Energy Opiyo Wandayi take political responsibility and resign.
He also called on President Ruto to urgently engage transport stakeholders in structured dialogue to resolve the dispute.
“Their grievances are real, their members are suffering,” he said, adding that continued delay would worsen economic strain on citizens.
Kalonzo further urged the government to introduce a transparent and long-term fuel pricing framework to stabilise costs and protect consumers.
Economic pressure mounts
The opposition leader warned that the transport paralysis is already affecting supply chains, food prices, and business operations across the country.
He argued that rising fuel costs are pushing inflationary pressure across key sectors, including agriculture, trade, and logistics.
However, government officials have previously defended fuel pricing mechanisms, citing global oil market volatility and fiscal constraints.
For now, commuters across major towns continue to bear the brunt of the standoff as negotiations between stakeholders and the State remain uncertain.
