The government suffered a major setback on Monday after matatu operators publicly rejected a deal proposed by Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi aimed at ending the nationwide transport strike over rising fuel prices. The dramatic rejection happened live on camera during a high-level meeting between government officials and transport stakeholders.
The meeting, which also involved Transport CS Davis Chirchir, had been called in an attempt to calm tensions following nationwide protests and disruptions caused by soaring fuel costs. Government officials proposed talks and promised further consultations on fuel pricing concerns, hoping to convince operators to resume transport operations.
However, matatu operators and transport leaders rejected the proposal almost immediately, insisting that they would not return to work until the government takes concrete action to reduce fuel prices and lower taxes on petroleum products.
“We do not want promises. Kenyans are suffering now,” one operator said during the heated meeting.
The rejection exposed growing frustration among transport stakeholders who argue that the rising cost of diesel has made business operations unsustainable. Many operators claim they are struggling to survive as fuel prices continue to push up operating expenses and transport fares.
The nationwide strike has already paralysed movement in several towns, leaving thousands of commuters stranded and businesses affected. In some regions, protests turned violent as demonstrators clashed with police over the rising cost of living.
The incident has since sparked reactions online, with many Kenyans criticizing the government’s handling of the fuel crisis and praising transport operators for standing firm on their demands.
Meanwhile, the government says negotiations with stakeholders will continue as pressure mounts to find a lasting solution to the ongoing fuel crisis.
The meeting, which also involved Transport CS Davis Chirchir, had been called in an attempt to calm tensions following nationwide protests and disruptions caused by soaring fuel costs. Government officials proposed talks and promised further consultations on fuel pricing concerns, hoping to convince operators to resume transport operations.
However, matatu operators and transport leaders rejected the proposal almost immediately, insisting that they would not return to work until the government takes concrete action to reduce fuel prices and lower taxes on petroleum products.
“We do not want promises. Kenyans are suffering now,” one operator said during the heated meeting.
The rejection exposed growing frustration among transport stakeholders who argue that the rising cost of diesel has made business operations unsustainable. Many operators claim they are struggling to survive as fuel prices continue to push up operating expenses and transport fares.
The nationwide strike has already paralysed movement in several towns, leaving thousands of commuters stranded and businesses affected. In some regions, protests turned violent as demonstrators clashed with police over the rising cost of living.
The incident has since sparked reactions online, with many Kenyans criticizing the government’s handling of the fuel crisis and praising transport operators for standing firm on their demands.
Meanwhile, the government says negotiations with stakeholders will continue as pressure mounts to find a lasting solution to the ongoing fuel crisis.