Kenya is currently grappling with a severe fuel crisis, which has escalated into widespread protests and drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders against the Kenya Kwanza government. The Jubilee Party, through its Deputy Party Leaders Fred Matiang'i and Jeremiah Kioni, has accused President William Ruto's administration of exhibiting poor leadership and putting the country on a “dangerous path.” These accusations were voiced at a press conference in Nairobi, where the leaders highlighted the government's alleged failure to adequately address mounting public pressure.

Fred Matiang'i contrasted the current government's approach to crisis management with his own record, asserting that his previous administration engaged various stakeholders during difficult periods rather than resorting to intimidation. “We were responsible leaders, we spoke to wananchi and we respected them,” Matiang'i stated, recalling instances of collaboration with organizations such as the Kenya Private Alliance and the Kenya Association of Manufacturers. He further criticized the present government for allegedly shielding incompetent leaders behind political excuses and urged them to cease using former President Uhuru Kenyatta's name as a universal explanation for the nation's problems, calling it a “chorus to explain everything, including your incapacity to deal with things.”

Jeremiah Kioni echoed Matiang'i's sentiments, stating that the government was employing tactics like tribalism, ethnic profiling, and the “Kenyatta narrative” to evade accountability and legitimate questions from Kenyans. He observed that the recent protests were spontaneous expressions of public frustration, with citizens demanding “Enough is enough,” rather than being politically orchestrated. Kura Ndung'u, the Jubilee Party Nairobi youth league leader, reinforced this point, questioning the government's “obsession with Uhuru Kenyatta” and its tendency to offer excuses for every issue.

The fuel strike, which commenced on May 18, was ignited by a significant surge in pump prices. This increase was primarily attributed to global supply disruptions stemming from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The strike led to matatu and other transport operators downing their tools, which consequently paralyzed public transport services across numerous towns throughout the country, severely impacting daily life and commerce.

In response to the escalating crisis and public outcry, the government has engaged in negotiations with transport operators and implemented a measure to halve the Value Added Tax (VAT) on fuel to eight percent. However, these actions have not entirely quelled the criticism. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has also publicly condemned President William Ruto and his administration, citing their failure to effectively address the fuel crisis, the disruptions in the matatu sector, and the ever-increasing cost of living.

The severity of the situation in Kenya had been foreshadowed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) just a month prior. The IMF had warned that the economic repercussions of the Middle East conflict could potentially trigger “social tensions” and new waves of unrest across vulnerable African nations. Kenyan officials had initially downplayed this risk, but their assurances were disproved when thousands of citizens took to the streets across the country on Monday, May 20. These widespread demonstrations included instances where protestors blocked key transportation arteries, such as the Nairobi-Namanga road at Kitengela town, highlighting the profound public discontent.