• Following the meeting held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, by the transport sector leadership and government officials, it was resolved that the ongoing strike be suspended.
  • On his side, CS Opiyo Wandayi said that the government continues to be sensitive to the plight of Kenyan consumers. 
  • Speaking during an address to the nation on May 19, 2026, Gachagua dismissed the suspension of the strike as a decoy and urged Kenyans to continue pushing for justice.

Following the meeting held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, by the transport sector leadership and government officials, it was resolved that the ongoing strike be suspended. The meeting was led by the Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, Opiyo Wandayi, and Cabinet Secretary for Internal Security, Kipchumba Murkomen.

Government Statement

On his side, CS Opiyo Wandayi said that the government continues to be sensitive to the plight of Kenyan consumers. He added that he had candid deliberations with the leadership of the public transport sector operators since yesterday, and the discussions were concluded successfully. He further stated that the government has applied Kshs. 13.9 billion to manage the cost of petroleum products.

Public Service Vehicles Leadership Statement

The Public Service Vehicles (PSV) leadership asked its members to resume operations immediately but assured them that negotiations would be concluded within the next seven days.

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“With all due respect and the respect we have been shown, what we have agreed here with CSs Wandayi and Murkomen is that the strike be called off,” said Kennedy Kaunda, Chairperson of the Tour Guide Association.

Opposition Reaction

However, former Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, dismissed the government’s claims that the fuel hike is a result of the ongoing USA/Israel-Iran war, which has affected the Strait of Hormuz. He argued that Kenya’s fuel does not originate from Iran and does not pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking during an address to the nation on May 19, 2026, Gachagua dismissed the suspension of the strike as a decoy and urged Kenyans to continue pushing for justice.

“All owners of Matatus and plant equipment to demand the removal of these bad fuel from the market because it will give us problems as we go along,” said Rigathi Gachagua.

As the government and transport sector stakeholders begin the seven-day talks, many Kenyans believe that long-lasting resolutions will be reached, leading to relief from the rising fuel prices.


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