Nairobi — Kenya’s Energy Cabinet Secretary, Opiyo Wandayi has sought to calm a country in turmoil, saying the government is racing to resolve a fuel crisis that has paralysed transport and left thousands stranded.
Speaking today in Wajir town during the launch of a rural electrification programme, CS Opiyo Wandayi urged Kenyans to remain patient as officials move to contain the fallout from a nationwide matatu strike triggered by rising fuel prices.
“I want to assure Kenyans that the National Government under the leadership of President William Ruto is serious about finding a solution to the matter,” CS Wandayi said.
His remarks came as major towns woke to empty roads. Many commuters were forced to walk long distances to work after public transport ground to a halt.
The strike began at midnight on Sunday, with matatu operators, some private motorists, and ride-hailing drivers staying off the roads in protest over increased fuel prices announced last week. In several cities, transport depots remained unusually quiet.
CS Wandayi said the government was engaging directly with sector leaders to defuse tensions. He said he would meet, alongside Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, representatives from the matatu industry later on Monday.
“We will listen to the leaders from the matatu sector, hear their grievances, then discuss and chart the way forward,” he said. “That is the only way that we will be able to tackle this challenge that we are currently facing as a country.”
The government’s appeal for calm has been echoed by local leaders caught in the unfolding crisis.
Ahmed Abdullahi, speaking at the same event, defended the government’s position, saying global forces were largely behind the surge in fuel prices. He pointed to instability in oil-producing regions and shifting international markets.
“I know you’ve taken quite some heat of late for the fuel prices,” he said. “But suffice it to say that this is a global problem.”
Still, he urged Nairobi to consider temporary relief measures, including tax adjustments on petroleum products to ease pressure on households and businesses.
“Even if it means temporarily suspending more taxation on oil products,” he said, warning that rising fuel costs ripple through transport, power bills and the wider cost of living.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi said President William Ruto was expected to convene a high-level meeting on fuel prices after returning from an official trip to Azerbaijan. He said the government was actively reviewing possible interventions.
“We can only hope that this war will end,” CS Mbadi said, “but even as we hope, we must make certain decisions.”
About the Author
