National Liberal Party (NLP) leader Dr Augustus Muli/HANDOUTNational Liberal Party (NLP) leader Dr Augustus Muli has called on the government to urgently convene a multi-stakeholder forum to address the escalating fuel crisis and the rising cost of living that has triggered nationwide protests and a crippling matatu strike.
In a statementissued,d Muli said millions of Kenyans were struggling to survive due to the soaring cost of fuel, which has pushed up transport costs and the prices of basic commodities across the country.
“Millions of Kenyan families and small businesses are being pushed to the brink by the rising cost of fuel. As a businessman and party leader, I see this daily. I stand with Kenyans demanding answers,” Muli said.
His remarks came as the nationwide matatu strike entered its second day, paralysing transport services in major towns and cities. Public transport operators, including matatus, buses and many boda boda riders, largely stayed off the roads in protest against high fuel prices and rising operational expenses.
Major roads across Nairobi and other urban centres recorded minimal public transport movement throughout the day, leaving thousands of commuters stranded. Many Kenyans were forced to walk long distances to work and school after failing to secure alternative transport.
Matatu operators and drivers have accused the government of ignoring the challenges facing the transport sector, particularly the increasing fuel prices and additional taxes imposed on petroleum products. They are demanding the reduction of fuel prices, removal of some fuel levies and urgent intervention from Parliament to cushion both operators and ordinary citizens from the rising cost of living.
Muli backed peaceful demonstrations by Kenyans and said citizens had a constitutional right to protest against economic hardships affecting their livelihoods.
“Kenyans have a constitutional right to peacefully raise their voice on matters that affect their livelihood. The National Liberal Party supports peaceful, lawful demonstrations by Gen Z and all citizens demanding accountability on the cost of living,” he said.
The NLP leader also urged the government to address what he termed as the root causes of the crisis, including excessive fuel taxation, inefficiencies in the energy sector and lack of transparency in fuel pricing.
“We call on government to address the root causes: excessive taxation on fuel, inefficiencies in the energy sector, and lack of transparency in pricing,” Muli stated.
“Specifically, NLP demands the immediate publication of the fuel pricing formula and a 90-day suspension of VAT on petroleum products to give Kenyans breathing space,” he added.
According to Muli, Kenya could learn from neighbouring countries and other economies that have cushioned citizens against the effects of global oil price shocks through tax cuts and subsidies.
“Kenya is not the only country affected, but we are one of the few where taxes make up over 40 per cent of the pump price. If Ghana, Tanzania and Uganda can act to cushion their citizens, so can Kenya,” Muli added.
“We demand that the government convene an urgent multi-stakeholder forum within seven days. This forum must include Gen Z representatives, transport operators, labour unions, energy experts and political party leaders from across the spectrum, including NLP. The people cannot keep waiting while costs rise daily,” he said.
Muli also appealed for calm during the ongoing protests, urging both demonstrators and security agencies to avoid violence and destruction of property.
“We urge all demonstrators and security agencies to ensure protests remain peaceful and protect life and property. We condemn any attempts to infiltrate peaceful protests with violence or looting,” he stated.
