Maraga urges Parliament to convene immediately.

Former Chief Justice David Maraga has called on Parliament to reconvene urgently and approve measures to help Kenyans cope with the rising cost of fuel amid a nationwide transport strike.

In a statement shared on X on Monday, Maraga expressed support for Kenyans affected by the shutdown, saying the government must act quickly to reduce the burden on citizens. He linked the fuel crisis to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East involving Iran, which has disrupted global oil supply and pushed up fuel prices worldwide.

“I wish to express my solidarity with Kenyans who have to bear the burden of bad governance that has led to the paralysis of the transport sector today,” Maraga said.

He proposed three immediate measures to lower fuel prices: removing VAT on fuel products, suspending fuel levies temporarily, and redirecting public funds lost through corruption to support the energy sector.

“As a first step, Parliament should convene immediately to exempt all fuel products from VAT, temporarily remove all fuel levies to stabilise the fuel prices, and redirect more resources being squandered through budgeted corruption to alleviate the energy crisis,” he stated.

Maraga’s remarks came as thousands of Kenyans were stranded following a nationwide strike by transport operators protesting the sharp increase in fuel prices. The strike affected matatus, buses, boda bodas, ride-hailing services, cargo transporters, school buses and private motorists.

“The Alliance confirms that all transport subsectors… have resolved to stand together in one of the largest coordinated industrial actions in Kenya’s history,” the Transport Sector Alliance said.

The strike was triggered by the latest fuel price review by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), which increased the price of Super Petrol by Sh16.65 per litre and Diesel by Sh46.29. In Nairobi, petrol is now retailing at Sh214.25 per litre while diesel costs Sh242.92.

The rising fuel prices have already pushed up transport fares and the cost of basic goods, increasing pressure on households and businesses across the country. Several schools suspended classes on Monday after school buses failed to operate, while many workers were forced to walk long distances to work.