A transport strike across Kenya, prompted by escalating fuel prices attributed to the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, has been temporarily suspended for one week. There have been reports of four fatalities and over 30 injuries amid mass protests against the steep rise in fuel costs, which have seen petrol prices increase by 20 percent and diesel by nearly 40 percent due to disruptions in oil transportation through the Strait of Hormuz. The strike, initiated by public transport providers, particularly the “matatu” bus operators, aimed to address the latest significant price hike. Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen announced the suspension to allow for consultations and negotiations between the government and stakeholders. The unrest also affected the nation’s primary trade corridor, as truck drivers refrained from transporting cargo due to fears of violence. Authorities confirmed that over 700 arrests have been made related to the protests. Rights groups have criticized the use of force by security personnel, urging restraint. Despite being one of East Africa’s most robust economies, Kenya faces severe structural inequalities, with approximately one-third of its population living in poverty amid high unemployment rates.
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