Nyeri becomes a ghost town as public transport operators protest the increase in fuel prices

Added: 2026-05-27

[00:00:00]Prime cabinet secretary Musalia Mudavadi now says the government cannot sustain the fuel subsidy program if the US Israel conflict with Iran persists warning that other critical needs may go unmet. This comes as a country witnessed muted fuel protests in the transport sector days after leaders in the sector called off their planned strike following talks with the government.

[00:00:26]Here's NTV's Ruth Samoei Chepeneg with the details.

[00:00:33]Nyeri became a ghost town for the better part of the day as public transport operators parked their vehicles protesting the increase in fuel prices.

[00:00:44]A section of matatu owners distanced themselves from sector leaders who took part in last week's meeting with the head of state.

[00:01:01]We don't know them.

[00:01:10]There was heavy police presence in the town to curb acts of violence following last week's protest that left traders counting losses as goons took advantage of the demos to loot.

[00:01:26]Taxi drivers expressing how their businesses were hurting due to the recent increase.

[00:01:41]Business owners and residents have called for calm urging authorities and stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the grievances that sparked the demonstrations.

[00:01:55]>> Okay, now you want to be a seller.

[00:01:57]What do you want to do to get out?

[00:02:18]The government says it can no longer stretch resources to cover fuel subsidy at the expense of other needs. Yes, for the last two to three months, we have to pay 28.1 billion to subsidize fuel.

[00:02:31]If this crisis continues, we have to use more money to subsidize fuel.

[00:02:39]But if you take everything and put to subsidy, how are we going to pay the teachers?

[00:02:47]Other towns that witnessed similar protests include Embu, Nyahururu, Chuka, Karatina, and parts of Thika.

[00:02:57]Ruth Samoei Seng'e, NTV.