This archive report was first published on 16 September 2021.
On September 16, 2021, Raila Odinga, leader of the Orange Democratic Movement, broke his silence on the government's decision to increase fuel prices.
According to Odinga, the increase in fuel cost is a significant blow to Kenyans who are already struggling to make ends meet due to the effects of the pandemic.
He condemned the new pump prices and called for swift action to be taken to cushion Kenyans from the economic struggle.
"Kenyans who have been struggling to put food on the table since the onset of the pandemic now stand to have their collective plight worsened by the increased fuel prices," Odinga stated.
He further noted that the new pump prices could see the cost of ordinary times shoot up, making life even more difficult for Kenyans.
On September 14, 2021, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced that prices of petrol, diesel, and kerosene had increased by as much as Ksh7 per litre for the next 30 days.
Retail prices for petrol increased by Ksh 7.58 per litre to retail at Ksh 134.72 in Nairobi, while diesel increased by Ksh7.94 to retail at Ksh115. Kerosene, on the other hand, had spiked by Ksh12.97 to retail at Ksh110.2.
Motorists and boda boda riders took to the streets in Migori Town on September 16 to protest the recent rise of fuel prices in the country.
A correspondent in the area reported that activities in the town were paralysed as the protestors blocked the road with stones and burnt tyres.
