People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has called on the government to urgently address the country’s worsening fuel and cost-of-living crisis, accusing authorities of failing to listen to wananchi amid rising public anger and nationwide protests.

Taking to her official X account on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, Karua said Kenyans are struggling under the weight of high fuel prices, unemployment, and economic hardship, warning that the situation is pushing many households to the brink.

Karua noted that citizens across the country are increasingly frustrated, urging the government to stop hiding behind chaos and address the issues raised.

She argued that while criminal elements and destruction of property witnessed during protests must be condemned, the fact that Kenyans are hurting should not be ignored.

“While criminal elements and destruction of property must be condemned, the government must also stop hiding behind chaos to avoid confronting the real issue, which is, wananchi are hurting. The answer must be listening, accountability, and urgent action to ease the burden on ordinary Kenyans,” Karua stated.

Condemnation of state response

Karua, who is eyeing the 2027 presidency, also criticised what she described as excessive force used in response to protests linked to the fuel crisis, including allegations of brutality, intimidation, and the use of tear gas and bullets.

She further raised concern over reports that criminal elements may be infiltrating demonstrations, saying such incidents should not be used to dismiss legitimate public grievances.

Karua emphasised that while destruction of property is unacceptable, the underlying issues driving protests must be addressed through dialogue and accountability.

Deaths during protests

Karua also referenced reports of fatalities during recent demonstrations over fuel prices and the broader economic situation, calling for transparency and investigations into the incidents.

She said the government must ensure that law enforcement actions do not escalate tensions or lead to unnecessary loss of life.

“Kenyans are crying out over the rising cost of living, unemployment, high fuel prices, and economic hardship. But this regime’s response to wananchi’s pain continues to be brutality, intimidation, bullets, tear gas, and now the growing use of goons to infiltrate and discredit legitimate public frustration,” she stated.

“Yesterday, lives have reportedly been lost yet again during protests over fuel prices and the worsening economic crisis facing millions of families.”

Call for urgent intervention

The opposition politician further urged the government to shift its approach from confrontation to engagement, saying the crisis requires immediate and meaningful policy action.

“The answer must be listening, accountability, and urgent action to ease the burden on ordinary Kenyans,” she said.

Karua warned that failure to address the situation risks deepening mistrust between citizens and the state, further destabilising an already tense national mood.

Her remarks add to growing political pressure on the government as protests and strikes over fuel prices continue to disrupt economic activity in several parts of the country.