4 killed, 30 injured in Kenya fuel price protests

At least four people were killed and more than 30 others injured across Kenya on Monday during violent nationwide protests and a massive public transport strike sparked by a sharp surge in fuel prices, according to an official, reported Xinhua.

Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen, cabinet secretary for the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, noted that over 300 protesters have been arrested after the demonstrators lit bonfires, blocked roads, and engaged police in running battles.

"The police have launched investigations to establish whether those who died were innocent civilians or criminals who committed various crimes," Murkomen told a news conference in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.

Murkomen condemned incidents of violence, looting, and destruction of property reported during the protests in areas mainly in central Kenya.

The Transport Sector Alliance called for the strike on Sunday, arguing that high fuel prices have pushed operating costs beyond reach.

Kenya's Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) raised monthly fuel prices on May 14, increasing super petrol by 16.65 shillings (about 0.12 U.S. dollars) per liter and diesel by a record 46.29 shillings.

According to EPRA, the increase was driven by rising global crude costs and supply chain disruptions linked to the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran.