4 Killed, Hundreds Arrested As Kenya’s 23.5% Diesel Price Hike Sparks Protests

Kenya descended into unrest on Tuesday as nationwide protests and a massive transport strike over soaring fuel prices entered a second day, leaving at least four people dead, more than 30 injured and 348 arrested.

The demonstrations paralysed transport in Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Ruiru and other towns as protesters blocked roads with burning tyres and barricades , attacked motorists and set vehicles ablaze. Thousands of commuters were stranded after buses, cargo operators, boda boda motorcycle taxis, ride-hailing services and school transport joined the strike. Several schools advised students to stay home while businesses and public events were disrupted.

Witnesses and local media reported that police opened fire on protesters in Nairobi and Kiambu County, though authorities have not officially confirmed the cause of the deaths. Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen described the protests as violent and illegal, while Kenya’s human rights commission demanded an investigation into allegations of excessive force by police.

The unrest erupted after Kenya raised diesel prices by 23.5 per cent and petrol prices by 8 per cent on Friday, pushing fuel costs to record levels. The government blamed the increases on global oil supply disruptions linked to the Iran conflict and tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.

President William Ruto, currently abroad, has not commented on the crisis. Treasury Minister John Mbadi defended the hikes, calling them part of a global crisis.

The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry warned the hikes would sharply increase food and transport costs, worsening Kenya’s cost-of-living crisis.