Raila Breaks Silence Over Fuel Hike

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Raila Breaks Silence Over Fuel Hike
Raila Breaks Silence Over Fuel Hike

Africa-PressKenya. Orange Democratic Movement leader Raila Odinga on Thursday, September 16, broke his silence on the government’s decision to increase fuel prices.

In a statement, Odinga noted that the increase in fuel cost is a blow to Kenyans who are sinking in debt over 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.

The ODM leader further noted that Kenyans had struggled to put food on the table and the new pump prices could see the cost of ordinary times shoot up.

“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.”

“The prices should be lowered immediately to cushion the ordinary wananchi,” his statement read.

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) on Tuesday, September 14, 2021, stated 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.

After EPRA announced the new pump prices, the Central Organization of Trade Unions in Kenya (COTU-K) came out to condemn the move by the government to increase fuel prices.

Through their Secretary-General, Francis Atwoli the workers’ union opposed the increase of fuel prices and asked the President to come out and make a statement on the burning issue.

“The president should himself explain to Kenyans why the government is hellbent on increasing the pain and suffering of Kenyan workers and Kenyans in general amid covid 19 pandemics,” the statement read.

Irked motorists and boda boda riders took to the streets in Migori Town on Thursday, September 16, to protest the recent rise of fuel prices in the country.

A correspondent in the area told Kenyans.co.ke that activities in the town were paralysed as the protestors blocked the road with stones and burnt tyres.

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