Jakarta, ThedailyID — Violent protests erupted across Kenya after sharp fuel price hikes triggered a nationwide transport strike, leaving four people dead and at least 30 injured.
Demonstrators blocked roads with burning tires and clashed with police in major cities, including Nairobi and Mombasa, while thousands of commuters became stranded after public transport operators suspended services.
Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed the deaths and injuries, while authorities arrested at least 348 people during the protests. Murkomen also accused “criminal elements” of exploiting the demonstrations to damage public and private property.
The protests started after Kenya’s Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority increased diesel prices by 23.5 percent earlier this month. Officials linked the fuel hikes to global oil supply disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict and Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Kenya depends heavily on fuel imports from Gulf countries, while analysts said the Strait of Hormuz normally handles around one-fifth of global oil shipments. The rising fuel costs also pushed transportation fares and food prices higher across the country.
Some commuters reportedly paid several times their normal transport fares during the strike, increasing pressure on households already struggling with inflation.
Opposition figures criticized President William Ruto and accused the government of failing to control living costs. Human rights groups also condemned police actions after reports claimed officers used tear gas and live ammunition against protesters.
Following negotiations with transport unions, operators agreed to suspend the strike for one week while talks with the government continue.
The unrest increased concerns over economic instability in African countries that rely heavily on imported fuel.
