COTU Sec-Gen Francis Atwoli Calls Out President Uhuru Over Fuel Price Increase

In a statement on Thursday, Atwoli said the government should prepare for unrest from all quarters.

“We would like Uhuru to comment and make a statement on this unfair perpetual increase in fuel prices. Unless their policies place Kenyan workers at the center then they should prepare for unrest from all quarters,” he said.

Atwoli said COTU is opposed to the perpetual increase in fuel prices and would like to urge the government to be innovative with how it raises taxes.

“At the same time, we would like to remind Uhuru that Kenyan workers are suffering and that he should not tolerate the impunity, punishment, and the affront towards Kenyan workers by bodies such as EPRA,” he added.

The rise of fuel is as a result of increased taxes on all the three products notably VAT, which has gone up to 9.98 percent on petrol from eight percent.

The government has also increased taxes on diesel, which is widely used in the transport, agricultural sector, and electricity generation.

On Tuesday, transporters warned of a hike in fares, which has already been effected by some Public Service Vehicle operators in Nairobi.

“It is justified. We have gotten to where we have never been before. The costs will definitely be passed to the public,” Matatu Owners Association chairman, Simon Kimutai said.

He said the industry which had been brought to its knees by the pandemic is still making losses despite carrying full capacity, a situation worsened by the fuel price increase.

Kenyans should also expect a jump in electricity charges, which are affected by an increase in fuel, mainly diesel.