Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo addressing the media in Siaya. Faith Matete Siaya Public Transport Vehicle Union Secretary General Hilary Omondi. Faith Matete
The nationwide matatu strike over soaring fuel prices sparked fresh political pressure on Monday, with Gem MP Elisha Odhiambo calling for the urgent recall of Parliament to review fuel taxes blamed for the escalating cost of living.
As commuters across the country struggled with transport disruptions, Odhiambo faulted the strike by public transport operators, saying lawmakers — not protests — hold the key to resolving the fuel crisis.
“Matatu organisation called for a strike. I think, from where I sit, it was a wrong move for them to call for the strike. I think the Matatu association should call on Parliament to engage Parliament because it is this Parliament that enacted those laws that increased taxes,” he said.
The legislator argued that Parliament must take responsibility for tax measures that have pushed fuel prices higher and piled pressure on ordinary Kenyans.
“Parliament must revisit the VAT and the various taxes that have compounded fuel prices so that they can be reviewed for the country. That is the only way this crisis will come to an end,” Odhiambo said.
He praised residents in counties such as Siaya, Busia, Kisumu and Kakamega for maintaining calm despite protests and unrest reported in areas including Kitengela, Githurai and along Thika Road.
Odhiambo also appealed for restraint, urging Kenyans to protect businesses and avoid actions that could further hurt the economy.
“This is not a time for political popularity. It is a time for leadership that resolves the crisis,” he said.
The MP further urged parliamentary leadership to reconvene the House urgently and consider amendments to fuel tax laws to cushion Kenyans from the rising cost of living.
Meanwhile, transport operators defended the strike, saying they had been pushed to the edge by runaway fuel costs.
Siaya Public Transport Vehicle Union Secretary General Hilary Omondi said operators across 13 routes had grounded matatus because business had become unsustainable.
“We were forced to do that. We did not do it intentionally. But because of the hike in fuel prices, we had no option,” Omondi said.
He announced fare increases across several routes, saying operators could no longer absorb the rising fuel and operational expenses.
“On the Siaya route where we were charging 1,000, now we are going to charge 1,500. On routes where we were charging 150, we will now charge 200, and others will go up to 250,” he said.
Omondi appealed to the government and energy authorities to intervene quickly, warning that the burden was becoming unbearable for both operators and passengers.
“We want the Energy CS to look into the tough living conditions our people are going through. They are really suffering. Please bear with us,” he said.
The strike has intensified debate over fuel taxation and the rising cost of living, with political leaders and transport operators divided on how best to end the crisis.