Some parts of the Kenya were hit with acute fuel shortages forcing the petrol stations to sell a litre of petrol at Ksh250 as President William Ruto's government rushes against time to address the crisis.
On Saturday, September 17, residents in Ilbisil town along Namanga, Kajiado County, cried foul after they were forced to purchase petrol at Ksh250 up from the Ksh179.30 recommended by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority ( EPRA).
According to Kenyan.co.ke, the situation extended to Kajiado town, where motorists and boda boda riders scrambled for the commodity.
A similar situation was reported in Maili Tisa and Nkatatoek towns in the county.
Motorists scrambling on the queues for long hours were, however, not allowed to buy more than 10 litres.
Due to the situation, motorists were compelled to seek alternatives in the neighbouring towns of Athi River and Machakos.
The residents faulted the government for failing to cushion Kenyans from high fuel costs at a time when the country was grappling with inflation.
"At the moment, we only have this filling station which is selling fuel but the queue is just crazy," one resident stated.
"We have clients who are waiting for our services but have been forced to spend a night here. So we request President William Ruto to intervene because the situation is getting out of hand," he added.
Motorists in Lamu, Laisamis, Meru, Mtito Andei, Elwak, Mandera, Kericho, Kisii, Nyamira, Homa Bay, Migori, Busia and Kimilili also purchased fuel at between Ksh180 and Ksh192.
In Meru, boda boda operators expressed their frustrations over increased fuel prices. The riders resorted to hiking fares thus overburdening the passengers.
"We thought that Kenya Kwanza government would lower fuel prices immediately they get into office but we are shocked and devastated by the contrary. Fuel is now at a record high," one operator told Citizen TV on Saturday, September 17.
At the same time, some long-distance matatu operators announced fare hikes. On Friday, September 16, Mt Kenya matatu owners announced an increase in fare by 30 per cent.