Charles Kanjama.
By KPC Reporter
The Law Society of Kenya has declared its intention to pursue legal measures against the recent fuel price adjustment implemented by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority.
The organization cautioned that this decision has intensified economic hardship in the nation and provoked significant public demonstrations.
In an official statement, LSK President Charles Kanjama indicated that the sudden fuel price surge had created nationwide chaos, featuring blocked thoroughfares, streets filled with tear gas, and numerous Kenyans compelled to walk to their workplaces as transportation services were disrupted.
“The scenes of obstructed roads, tear gas-contaminated streets and thousands of people walking extensive distances to employment are not isolated acts of protest,” Kanjama remarked.
“They represent the evident results of a worsening economic and administrative crisis.”
The most recent revision caused diesel prices to escalate by KSh46.29, a development Kanjama asserted would have severe repercussions on transportation, agricultural production, small enterprises and the general expense of living.
“The recent KSh46.29 diesel price escalation has extensive consequences for transport, food production, small businesses and the overall cost of living,” he emphasized.
Kanjama challenged the openness of the fuel pricing framework, blaming authorities for burdening citizens through exorbitant petroleum taxes and charges.
“Kenyans deserve complete transparency on the legal and policy foundations shaping the current fuel pricing structure,” he demanded, while also insisting on openness regarding public involvement and consumer protection considerations taken before enforcing the new rates.
The LSK leader additionally voiced apprehension about reports of costly high-sulfur diesel being imported into the nation, requesting an “immediate, open and independent inquiry” into these assertions.
“Whenever corruption, carelessness or regulatory negligence have led to inflated fuel expenses, those accountable must face complete responsibility,” he added.
Simultaneously, the organization condemned what it described as disproportionate force application by police during protests observed throughout various regions of the country.
“The fatalities and the application of excessive force against citizens exercising constitutionally guaranteed liberties is intolerable and should be strongly condemned,” Kanjama stated.
He affirmed that Kenyans possess a constitutional entitlement to peaceful assemblies and demonstrations under Articles 33 and 37 of the Constitution, noting that the Government has an obligation to safeguard demonstrators while preserving public order.
“Unjustified detentions, random force application and aggressive suppression of opposition have no role in a constitutional democracy operating under legal principles,” he declared.
The LSK has confirmed it is organizing immediate legal proceedings to contest the latest EPRA directive and pursue accountability regarding fuel pricing and diesel procurement controversies.
“Kenya requires leadership founded on constitutional commitment, economic fairness and institutional responsibility, not impulsive policy development at the citizens’ expense,” Kanjama concluded.