Kennedy Kaunda explains dramatic fallout with CS Wandayi during fuel crisis press conference
By Ndiritu Wanjiru, May 21, 2026Tour Guide Association chairman Kennedy Kaunda has revealed details of what transpired during talks between transport sector stakeholders and government officials over the ongoing fuel crisis.
Speaking in an interview with a local radio station on Thursday, May 21, 2026, about the frustrations facing players in the transport and tourism industries, Kaunda said that Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Energy, Opiyo Wandayi, failed to honour what had initially been agreed upon during discussions that were aimed at addressing soaring fuel prices.
“Surprisingly, what our Honourable CS started delivering as a speech or statement was not what we had agreed,” Kaunda said.
Kaunda explained that he was forced to speak out publicly because he believes in honesty and transparency, values he says are rooted in his profession as a tour guide.
“Due to the training I have undergone and my job as a tour guide, which expects me to be authentic, that is why at that moment I said what was supposed to be said,” he added.
The Tour Guide Association chairman further disclosed that he attended the meeting hoping it would lead to a reduction in fuel prices that have continued to burden transport operators and ordinary Kenyans.
“I went there in good faith expecting that we were going to get a reduction in fuel prices,” he stated.
Kaunda also expressed frustration over the manner in which the discussions were handled, claiming there was poor communication from government officials.
“I did not know that there was a meeting going on there; there was no communication. The communication came through a phone call,” he said.
His remarks come at a time when pressure continues to mount on the government to address the rising cost of fuel, which has sparked anger among motorists, matatu operators, tour companies, and consumers across the country.
Stakeholders in the transport sector have been calling for urgent interventions, warning that the continued rise in fuel prices is increasing the cost of living and threatening businesses that heavily rely on transportation.
Kaunda’s sentiments on strike
Kaunda became a nationwide sensation during a press conference convened by Wandayi and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir on Monday, May 19, 2026, when government officials gave the impression that a solid agreement to end the nationwide transport strike had been reached. Kaunda, however, firmly stepped in to contradict the information released by the CS.
He politely but aggressively corrected the ministers, stating that an agreement had not actually been finalised and that the operators’ concerns remained unaddressed. His unapologetic honesty resonated deeply with Kenyans who were frustrated by the high cost of living.
Government officials had proposed reducing diesel prices by Ksh10, arguing the move would help narrow the gap between diesel and kerosene prices and reduce fuel adulteration risks.
However, matatu sector representatives publicly rejected the proposal moments after Wandayi addressed the press.
“We have not agreed to anything. They gave us 30, according to what they are going to discuss with EPRA, and we had stated 35 up to 30; that was the communication,” Kaunda declared during the tense press briefing.
“So there’s no deal. The strike is still on!” Kaunda added.
The comments contradicted the government’s earlier communication that progress had been made in the negotiations, leaving the cabinet secretaries visibly uncomfortable during the live address.