Kenya transport protests turn deadly as four killed in fuel price unrest

Kenya’s transport strike over record fuel prices turned deadly on May 18, with reports confirming four people were killed and more than 30 others injured as unrest spread across several towns.

AP reported that the strike was later suspended after two days of protests, marking a fresh development in the dispute that had already left commuters stranded and disrupted public transport in multiple counties.

The unrest hit matatu operations and bus terminals hard, with local reporting describing deserted stages and businesses slowing or shutting down as the protests unfolded.

Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen said 348 people were arrested over the violence, according to AP. Citizen Digital also quoted Murkomen as saying the protests had been hijacked by criminals and political inciters.

The confirmed death toll has remained at four in the reporting reviewed so far, though authorities may still issue further updates. The key immediate question is whether the suspension of the strike will hold nationwide and whether police or hospital figures will revise the toll.

What happened

The protests began over sharply higher fuel prices and quickly spread into a wider transport shutdown, disrupting travel and commerce in several parts of Kenya.

What comes next

Officials are expected to provide more detail on arrests, casualties and whether transport services are returning to normal after the suspension.