Reuben Kigame backs transport alliance protests as fuel crisis sparks national outrage
By Mustafa Juma, May 18, 2026Gospel artist Reuben Kigame has declared full support for the nationwide transport strike called by the Transport Sector Alliance, accusing the government of burdening Kenyans with soaring fuel prices and a rising cost of living.
In a video message delivered in Swahili via his official X account on Sunday, May 17, 2026, night, the activist-cum-politician said he would stand in solidarity with transport operators and ordinary citizens participating in the industrial action that began at midnight.
Kigame said the strike was justified because transport operators across the country were struggling under the weight of rising fuel prices.
“Kama mwalimu Reuben Kigame, ninatangaza rasmi kwamba ninatetea na kusupport kikamilifu ule mgomo wa Transport Sector Alliance ambao umeitishwa kuanzia usiku wa manane leo na jumatatu yote nchini Kenya. Ninaungana nao kwa roho yangu yote kwa sababu wao transporters wanaumia,” Kigame said.
The politician and gospel musician noted that matatu operators, bus companies, school transport providers, boda boda riders, truck owners, and other transport players were all facing severe economic pressure.
“Malori, mabasi, transporters wa shule, pikipiki, matatu, na kila mtu, anaumia kwasababu ya bei ya mafuta kwenda juu,” he said.
Cost of living concerns
Kigame argued that the fuel crisis was no longer affecting only the transport industry but had become a national problem touching every household.
He said increases in fuel prices had directly contributed to higher food prices, expensive public transport, and rising costs of essential goods and services.
“Lakini pia wananchi wa kawaida wanaumia kwasababu wakati bei mafuta inaenda juu, basi chakula, mpaka na madawa, usafiri na kila kitu, zinaenda juu,” he stated.
Criticism of EPRA and government
Kigame also sharply criticised the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority and the government over fuel pricing policies.
He questioned why Kenya continues to record some of the highest fuel prices in the region despite having direct access to the Port of Mombasa.
He particularly questioned why landlocked countries such as Ethiopia and Rwanda were reportedly experiencing lower fuel costs than Kenya.
“Na ninaungana na wale transport sector alliance pia kwasababu hawa watu walio serikalini na haswa EPRA, wanachezea wananchi wa Kenya mno kwasababu bei ya mafuta Kenya iko juu kuliko Ethiopia ambayo haina ufuo wa bahari, Rwanda ambayo haina ufuo wa bahari, Rwanda, Burundi, na hata Tanzania. Sasa wakenya, Ruto na watu wake watueleze ni kwanini wananyanyasa wananchi na transporters wa Kenya ilhali mafuta Kenya yanakuja kwenye ufuo wa bahari Mombasa,” he said.
Growing pressure ahead of strike
The remarks come as pressure mounts ahead of the nationwide transport shutdown organised by the Transport Sector Alliance.
The alliance has warned that matatus, cargo transporters, boda boda riders, digital taxi operators, and private motorists could participate in one of the largest coordinated strikes in recent years.
Transport stakeholders are demanding the reversal of recent fuel price hikes and broader reforms in fuel pricing and taxation.