🇰🇪KenyaEast Africa
Ekuru Aukot calls for nationwide protests over rising fuel prices on April 21
via Tuko2 min read
Third Way Alliance party leader Ekuru Aukot has voiced his support for a nationwide protest against increasing fuel prices, urging Kenyans to participate on Tuesday, April 21. Aukot's call comes amid growing public frustration following recent fuel price adjustments by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority EPRA. He used his X account on April 17 to rally Kenyans, linking their struggles with the high cost of living to soaring fuel prices. Aukot shared posters circulating online that advocate for protests under slogans like "Total Shutdown" and "Fixing the Nation," with hashtags such as #RejectFuelPrices. He sarcastically suggested that if Kenyans cannot afford fuel, they should be prepared to "consume" teargas during the demonstrations. This declaration follows an ultimatum issued by the United Opposition to President William Ruto, demanding action on the fuel situation. The opposition, in a statement read by Democracy for Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua, called for the cancellation of the government-to-government G-to-G fuel import framework, removal of Value Added Tax VAT on fuel, suspension of the road maintenance levy, and a halt to other statutory deductions like the affordable housing levy and increased National Social Security Fund NSSF contributions. They argue these measures have worsened the cost-of-living crisis and also demanded accountability and prosecution of officials involved in a fuel scandal.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Tuko.
Democracy for Citizens Party DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua has announced plans for overseas travel to engage with the diaspora in preparation for the 2027 General Election. Speaking at the DCP Party headquarters in Westlands, Nairobi, on Monday, April 2020, Gachagua also unveiled John Mwaura as the DCP aspirant for the Kiambu gubernatorial seat. He congratulated Mwaura, emphasizing the party's philosophy of listening to the people of Kenya and assuring aspirants of free and fair party primaries. The party also welcomed lawyer Mwenda Njagi from the Safina Party. Gachagua stated he would embark on a tour of various regions, including Ukambani, the coastal region, Mt. Kenya, Loitoktok, and Kajiado, before traveling to London to "arrange a few things." He also criticized Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and vowed to hold accountable those he referred to as "betrayers" in the Mt. Kenya region, assuring his supporters of making Ruto a one-term president alongside these individuals.
The body of Edwin Njunguna, a Kenyan truck driver killed in Bunia, Democratic Republic of Congo DRC, has arrived in Kenya. Njunguna, on his first trip to the DRC, was reportedly killed after his truck broke down in a dangerous area. He sent a message to his family stating that armed men nearly attacked him, and although Congolese military officers initially rescued him, they later abandoned him. His body was found decomposing in the bush by fellow Kenyan drivers. The body arrived in Kenya on Sunday, April 19, following his family's request for government intervention. The Kenya Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association of Kenya announced that the body would be preserved in Bungoma ahead of his burial. The incident has prompted strong emotional responses from Kenyans, with Bungoma county governor aspirant Arthur Amug Osiya visiting Njunguna's family in Malaba to offer condolences, highlighting the insecurity affecting civilians in eastern DRC.
Must ReadResidents of Nairobi's South C area protested at Ardhi House on Monday, April 20, demanding government action following the collapse of a 16-story building on Muhoho Avenue on January 2, 2026. Led by the South C Residents Association, the demonstrators accused authorities of negligence and broken promises regarding building safety inquiries. They called for criminal proceedings against developers and officials linked to unsafe construction practices. The association's chairperson, Abdi Karim Hassan, stated that public safety should not be sacrificed for political connections or developer greed. Protesters urged Lands, Housing and Urban Development Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome to take urgent action, citing two fatalities from the January collapse. They demanded the publication of a Multi-Agency Inquiry Report, a public safety certification or demolition order for Bridge Port Apartments due to structural damage, and the names of Nairobi County and National Construction Authority officials who failed to follow up on enforcement notices. Karim also called for evidence that developers and consultants involved in the projects have been de-registered and barred from further construction. Letters were sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Mulele Ingonga and Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja Kirocho, urging legal action against the developer, contractor Abyan Consulting Limited, the Nairobi City County Technical Committee, and county compliance teams led by Urba
President William Ruto has defended Kenya's high fuel prices, addressing public concerns over recent increases. Speaking at a church service in Karen, the president stated that the fuel costs reflect Kenya's status as a low- and middle-income country, distinguishing it from neighboring "least developed countries." Ruto attributed the higher prices to road maintenance levies, explaining that a significant portion of the cost funds road upkeep. He highlighted Kenya's extensive network of over 20,000 kilometers of tarmac roads, which he noted surpasses the combined networks of other East African countries like Uganda and Tanzania. The president clarified that fuel taxes are specifically allocated to transport infrastructure, aiming to boost the economy through improved connectivity, trade, and mobility. This defense comes after the Energy Petroleum Regulatory Authority EPRA released new fuel prices on April 14, showing Kenya with higher fuel costs compared to Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro criticized the price hikes, proposing measures such as removing a KSh 7 fuel levy and reducing VAT by 5% to lower prices by an estimated KSh 27.