BY PETER KARANJA
A section of Kenyans on Thursday, September 16, took to the streets to express their anger after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) withdrew fuel subdue thereby exposing citizens to astronomical prices.
Thousands of people could be seen walking on foot and others riding atop vehicles on the major roads in Nairobi and counties like Migori – and blocking traffic.
Earlier, the Matatu Association leadership distanced itself from a planned nationwide strike notice that went viral on Wednesday, September 15.
“The fake notice had read: “This is to notify all motorists that tomorrow Thursday 16, September from 12.00 noon, we shall hold a countrywide demonstration regarding rise in petrol price.
“Please note that all matatus and buses will be parked along Thika road for as long as the government will act on the above matter. All travellers are therefore advised to postpone their travelling. Matatus and buses in Nairobi will not be operational until communicated.”
The matatu association boss read malice in the WhatsApp message that broke the internet.
Kenyan motorists had on Wednesday, September 15, threatened to park their cars on all major roads and create mother of all traffic jams.
This is after fuel prices jumped to a historical high after the new guidelines were announced, with petrol retailing at Sh134.72, Diesel at Sh115, which represented an increase of Ksh7.58 and Ksh7.94 per litre of petrol and kerosene respectively.
Kenyan poor who use Kerosene were the most affected with the prices increasing by over Ksh12.97 – and now will be retailing at Ksh110.2 per litre. That’s a huge jump to be honest.
There was fear high prices would cause public unrest
The price shot up after the removal of a subsidy that the government had introduced to cushion motorists a few months ago. The subsidy is no more – and which has exposed motorists to high fuel prices during this time of the pandemic.
The government introduced the subsidy amid concern that the high prices would cause public unrest – and they have.
The new prices are inclusive of the 8% Value Added Tax (VAT) in line with the provisions of the Finance Act 2018, the Tax Laws (Amendment) Act 2020 and the revised rates for excise duty adjusted for inflation as per Legal Notice No. 194 of 2020.
It is, however, not clear if Kenyans will go to the extent of parking their cars on public roads and leaving them there for hours or even days to express their anger and displeasure and the government. This has never happened in Kenya.