Bodad Boda operators protested in Maua in Meru County after the government increased the price of fuel overnight.
Hundreds of other traders joined in the demonstrators that took to the streets in Maua town.
Burning tyres have were used to barricade roads and block bus routes.
“Due to the recent increase in fuel prices, we’ve decided to park our motorcycles. We don’t have any other options for business. In Maua town, a litre of fuel costs Ksh 134, while in Kimongoro, it costs Ksh 143. We planned to protest until the price of fuel is dropped,” said a protester.
According to the protester, President Uhuru Kenyatta wishes to leave a legacy of poverty and hunger.
“We will not stand by and watch as ourselves starve to death and we everyone will join us in our protests. I support the boda boda operators who have pledged to continue with the protests,” he said.
Businesses in Maua town came to a halt because traders could not risk operating under the threat of protests.
“Fuel prices have risen, and President Uhuru to take into account the citizens’ plight. We are facing difficulties while paying our children’s school fees. We implore President Uhuru to consider how we are sleeping hungry and to ensure that the economy gets back on its feet ” said a trader.
A trader dealing in second hand clothes said she will have to dig deeper into her pocket to cover the cost of transportation from Gikomba.
“I humbly request President Uhuru lower the fuel prices in order to make life more sustainable. . Businessmen and bod boda traders have petitioned the Ministry of Energy to reduce fuel prices from Ksh 130 because it has harmed their businesses and their customers do not understand the implications, ” said a trader.
“We have suffered greatly as a result of the increased price of fuel and other commodities have become unavailable. As chaos are expected, I am rushing to park my items to avoid damage losses. I beg President Uhuru to have mercy on us because we want peace,” said another trader.
The hike means petrol prices jumped 6% to 134.72 shillings , with diesel up by 7.4% to 115.6 shillings.
