Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has confirmed that four people died and more than 30 others suffered injuries during nationwide protests linked to the ongoing matatu strike over rising fuel prices.
Speaking at Harambee House on Monday, May 18, 2026, Murkomen said demonstrations erupted in several parts of the country after transport operators and members of the public protested the recent fuel price increases announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
The protests disrupted transport in Nairobi, Kiambu, Kajiado, Kisumu, and other counties, with demonstrators blocking roads, burning tyres and vandalising property in some areas. In Githurai, protesters torched a vehicle along Thika Road, while chaos also broke out in Kitengela, Roysambu, and Nyeri.
Murkomen accused criminal groups and some politicians of hijacking the demonstrations and turning them violent.
“Unfortunately, we lost four Kenyans in today’s violence, which also left more than 30 people injured,” Murkomen said.
The protests followed the latest EPRA fuel review, which increased petrol prices by KSh 16.65 per litre and diesel prices by KSh 46.29. Transport operators say the higher fuel prices have made business operations too expensive, forcing many PSV operators to increase fares or suspend services.
READ ALSO: Vehicle Torched in Githurai as Fuel Protests Escalate
Kenya Red Cross earlier confirmed that the strike paralysed public transport, taxi services, boda boda operations, and cargo movement in several regions.
Murkomen defended the government, saying global fuel market pressures contributed to the increase in prices. However, he acknowledged the growing public frustration over the high cost of living.
The Interior CS, Kipchumba Murkomen, said the government had already started talks involving the National Treasury, Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Transport, and transport stakeholders to find long-term solutions to the fuel crisis.
Meanwhile, police continue investigating incidents of violence, looting, and destruction reported during the demonstrations.
