Kenya Fuel Protests Ease For One Week
A one-week reprieve has temporarily eased tensions in Kenya over rising fuel prices.
The Kenyan government has blamed the US-Israel-Iran conflict and its impact on restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz. However, transport operators are not convinced.
TTT News spoke with journalist from the Standard Media Group, Brian Ngugi, who provided the latest update from Kenya.
« So what happened, on Monday, May 18th, transport operators launched a nationwide strike. Thousands of commuters were stranded. Then came clashes with police. »
Mr. Ngugi said the Kenyan government has adjusted the price of Super petrol, but it is still higher than what Kenyans were paying previously. This triggered protests.
« At least four people were killed and more than 30 injured, according to hospital sources and police sources. »
The Kenyan government blames the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict causing restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz. This contraction in global supply has driven up fuel prices by as much as 10% in one month.
Mr. Ngugi said, « The transport union called off the strike on Tuesday, but only for one week to allow for dialogue. So the clock is ticking. If talks fail, Kenya could see an even bigger shutdown. For now, people are going back to work, but the anger hasn’t gone away. »
TTT News was told that neighbouring countries are watching the situation closely as it develops. If Kenya’s transport system collapses again, it is estimated that the country could run out of fuel within days.
