The ODM Leader Raila Odinga has now ordered the government to lower the hiked fuel prices with immediate effect.
According to Odinga, Kenyans are struggling to earn a living out of harsh economic times due to coronavirus pandemic, a situation likely to be worsened by the increased fuel prices.
“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 Wanainchi,” said Odinga.
On his part, Amani National Congress (ANC) party leader Musalia Mudavadi called on the government to review the high fuel prices saying they are pushing Kenyans to the economic edge.
Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli termed the prices as outrageous and insensitive especially given the prevailing COVID-19 situation that has already compounded suffering among Kenyans.
Since Tuesday, pressure has been mounting on the government to look into the fuel prices a day after Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority’s (EPRA) latest price review.
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A litre of Super petrol price went up by Ksh.7.58 to retail at Ksh.134.72.
Kenyans who use Kerosene were hit hard after a litre of the commodity went up by Ksh.12.97 and will retail at Ksh.110.82.
Diesel is now retailing at Ksh.115.60 after a litre was revised up by Ksh.7.94.
The prices have since elicited harsh reactions from Kenyans most of whom reflected the overall situation that the common mwananchi is dealing with in light of the high cost of living.
Some said they will have to make certain hard decisions on their spending in order to maximize on the limited resources available.
Others said loans will have to come in handy if they have to survive irrespective of the ability to repay.
Even as Wanjiku continues to reel under the weight of joblessness, salary cuts and a high cost of living compounded by the challenges of the ongoing pandemic, Kenyans say they cant deal with EPRA situation at the moment.
