Martha Karua has criticized Kenya Kwanza administration for rising fuel prices and deteriorating economic conditions that affect Kenyan households, companies, and transportation services.
In a statement, the People’s Liberation Party leader expressed solidarity with citizens taking part in nationwide protests and the ongoing matatu operators’ strike, claiming that Kenyans had a constitutional right to peaceful expression, particularly in light of growing living costs.
Nationwide Transport Disruptions as Strike Bites
Her remarks come amid nationwide disruptions caused by a strike by petroleum users and public service vehicle operators protesting high pump prices, with transport, business operations, and daily livelihoods heavily affected.
Karua described the situation as a direct result of policy failure, arguing that punitive taxation and poor fiscal management have left ordinary Kenyans bearing excessive economic burdens.
She said transport operators are not striking to disrupt peace but because operating costs have become unsustainable due to fuel levies and rising taxes.
Government Response Under Fire
Karua also blasted government leadership, criticizing delayed reactions to the issue and demanded immediate action to protect citizens from future hardship.
She said that rising costs of fuel are having a knock-on effect on food, transportation, and business costs, exacerbating inflationary pressures throughout the economy.
Karua appealed for Kenyan unity and urged residents to continue participating in democratic processes, like as voting out leaders who do not prioritize economic stability or accountability.
She emphasized that leadership must prioritise service delivery, careful economic management, and the protection of wananchi from economic shocks, warning that ongoing hardship might erode public confidence in government institutions.
“Kenyans deserve leaders who listen and act decisively,” she said, adding that economic justice must be restored through fair taxation and accountability.
Support for Peaceful Mass Action
Karua reaffirmed her support for peaceful mass action, stating that protests remain a legitimate democratic tool when citizens are faced with prolonged economic distress.
She urged authorities to engage stakeholders in the transport sector and implement immediate policy interventions to stabilise fuel prices and restore normalcy in public transport operations across the country.
She concluded by calling for accountable governance and inclusive economic planning, insisting that Kenya’s economic recovery depends on leadership that places citizens at the centre of decision-making.
She reiterated that peaceful protest should never be criminalised, especially when driven by genuine economic grievances affecting millions of Kenyans.
Karua called on institutions of government to act with urgency and empathy, warning that failure to address the fuel crisis risks deepening inequality, economic instability, and public frustration across the country.
