NAIROBI — Four people have been killed and more than 30 injured in protests against fuel price hikes prompted by the Iran war in several Kenyan towns on Monday, the interior minister said, after a nationwide public transport strike stranded commuters.
Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed the deaths and injuries following unrest that erupted after a nationwide public transport strike.
Last week, Kenya raised fuel prices by more than 23 percent, having hiked them by over 24 percent the previous month.
On Monday morning, roads into the capital Nairobi were blocked by transport operators and scattered groups of protesters. Police fired tear gas in some areas, while some protesters lit tyres to cut access to key roads, worsening congestion and leaving many commuters stranded.
On Tuesday, Murkomen said the strike would be suspended for one week to allow for negotiations.
Kenya imports nearly all its fuel products from the Middle East via government-to-government deals with Gulf suppliers. However, the Iran war has squeezed global oil and gas supplies.
Kenya’s fuel price hike has sharply raised transport fares and pushed up the cost of basic goods, deepening pressure on households already struggling with the high cost of living.Source: Reuters
