Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has accused some politicians of fueling violence and using criminal gangs to disrupt nationwide protests over rising fuel prices. He said the demonstrations started peacefully before criminals hijacked them and turned them violent. The unrest left four people dead, injured more than 30 others, and led to hundreds of arrests over looting and vandalism.
Kipchumba Murkomen cited several incidents during the protests, including the looting of supermarkets in Nyeri and attacks on UDA offices and trucks linked to government projects. He said criminal groups used the demonstrations to spread fear and destroy property.
READ ALSO: Four Dead as Kipchumba Murkomen Reveals Magnitude of Countrywide Protests
The protests erupted after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) increased petrol prices by KSh 16.65 per litre and diesel prices by KSh 46.29. The sharp increase triggered a nationwide strike by matatu operators, boda boda riders, and other transport stakeholders, paralysing transport services in several counties.
Kipchumba Murkomen defended the government’s fuel import programme, saying it has helped Kenya avoid fuel shortages affecting some neighbouring countries. He also said the government had started talks with transport stakeholders to find solutions to the fuel crisis and restore calm across the country.
