At least four people were killed and more than 30 others injured in Nairobi on Monday as Police clashed with demonstrators during nationwide protests over soaring fuel prices.
The unrest coincided with a public transport strike that left many commuters stranded and parts of the Kenyan capital deserted. Protesters burned tyres on major roads, attacked motorists and set at least two vehicles ablaze.
Kipchumba Murkomen said 348 people had been arrested over what he described as violent and illegal protests. He did not specify how the four victims died, although witnesses quoted by local media alleged that police opened fire during the clashes.
Fuel prices in Kenya reached record highs on Friday, with diesel prices rising by 23.5 per cent and petrol increasing by eight per cent. The Government linked the earlier price hikes to the ongoing Iran war and disruptions in global energy supplies, although it also announced tax reductions aimed at cushioning consumers.
President William Ruto, who is currently outside the country, has not publicly commented on either the latest fuel increases or the protests. The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry warned that the higher fuel costs would trigger increases in the prices of goods and services across the economy. It also argued that Kenya’s fuel price surge between April and May had exceeded the rise in global oil prices, suggesting growing domestic cost pressures.
Former deputy President Rigathi Gachagua blamed the sharp increases on corruption and profiteering, comparing Kenya’s fuel prices with those in neighbouring countries such as Uganda, where prices are reportedly lower despite reliance on Kenyan ports for fuel imports.