National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula urged for a unified national approach to address the escalating fuel prices, discouraging political exploitation of the issue as public anxiety mounts over rising transportation and commodity costs.
Speaking to National Assembly members on Tuesday, the Speaker emphasized that the fuel situation necessitated collaborative efforts between governmental bodies, parliamentary representatives, and commercial entities to safeguard economic stability and citizen welfare.
“Colleagues, I believe that surging fuel expenses can only be resolved through impartial, productive, and comprehensive collaboration involving all stakeholders such as the central administration, the legislative branch, and our business community,” Wetang’ula stated.
He advised against divisive commentary from leaders, noting that fragmented remarks could transform a nationwide economic problem into a political battleground.
“Singular and one-sided comments are counterproductive presently and merely serve to politicize an issue that significantly impacts our nation’s economy and the well-being of all Kenyans,” he emphasized.
These statements arrive amid persistent public discontent triggered by substantial fuel price hikes disclosed earlier this month by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority.
During its May 14 pricing adjustment, EPRA raised Super Petrol costs by Sh16.65 per liter and Diesel by Sh46.29 per liter, resulting in pump prices in Nairobi reaching Sh214.25 and Sh242.92 respectively.
The price surge provoked demonstrations from transportation providers, vehicle owners, and business sectors, with minibus operators and motorcycle taxi drivers indicating that increased fuel expenditures would lead to higher transportation fees and elevated living costs.
Political discourse surrounding the recent fuel adjustments intensified, with some officials criticizing governmental management of the situation while others supported recent measures implemented to protect consumers and transport professionals.
Subsequently, the Transport Sector Alliance orchestrated a nationwide work stoppage that disrupted transit networks in multiple urban centers as operators requested governmental action to reduce diesel costs.
Thousands of travelers had to commute on foot when minibuses, ride-hailing services, freight vehicles, and motorcycle taxis suspended operations during the protests.
In response to the demonstrations, the administration implemented a diesel price reduction of Sh10.06 per liter as part of initiatives to alleviate burdens on transportation providers and consumers.
President William Ruto subsequently convened discussions with transportation sector representatives at State House in Mombasa, where authorities committed to an additional Sh10 per liter reduction in the upcoming June-July pricing review period.
This arrangement enabled minibus operators to abandon their planned work stoppage that had risked immobilizing transportation infrastructure nationwide.
National Chairman of the Matatu Owners Association Albert Karakacha verified the resolution following dialogues with the administration, indicating that operators would restore regular services while maintaining discussions regarding fuel pricing.
The fuel cost increments have also ignited demonstrations in various regions including Nyahururu, where young people and motorcycle taxi participants rallied against escalating fuel prices and living expenses.
Commercial enterprises in several impacted communities temporarily suspended operations while transportation services faced interruptions during the protests.
Wetang’ula’s comments now contribute to mounting demands for expanded policy measures as ongoing concerns remain about the repercussions of fuel prices on transportation, food affordability, and general economic performance.