By Joshua Otieno | May 20, 2026
SIAYA, KENYA — Siaya Governor James Orengo has strongly criticized the government’s response to anti-fuel price protests, condemning the use of force against demonstrators while proposing sweeping reforms aimed at reducing diesel prices by up to KSh 54 per litre.
In a statement titled “Urgent National Issues Requiring Immediate Government Action,” Orengo, who leads the Linda Mwananchi faction within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), faulted the administration for what he described as a heavy-handed response to growing public frustration over the rising cost of living.
The governor accused security agencies of violating constitutional rights by allegedly using excessive force against peaceful protesters and journalists during recent demonstrations.
Orengo also raised concern over reported deaths linked to the protests, including the case of protester Albert Ojwang, who allegedly died while in police custody.
“We cannot normalize violence against citizens exercising their constitutional right to protest,” Orengo said, calling for accountability from state agencies involved in maintaining law and order during the demonstrations.
He urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to launch swift and independent investigations into the incidents, insisting that senior officials found responsible should face legal action.
Beyond criticism of the government’s handling of protests, Orengo unveiled a series of economic proposals designed to ease the burden of soaring fuel costs on Kenyan households and businesses.
The Linda Mwananchi faction rejected recent government interventions, including the KSh 10 fuel levy adjustment, dismissing them as insufficient in addressing the broader economic crisis.
Instead, the group proposed a multi-pronged strategy that includes the complete removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) on fuel, a KSh 7 reduction in existing fuel levies, a KSh 4 cut in profit margins for petroleum importers and marketers, and the introduction of a KSh 5 billion government subsidy to lower diesel prices.
According to Orengo, the measures could collectively slash diesel prices by approximately KSh 54 per litre, significantly reducing transport and production costs across the economy.
The governor’s remarks come amid heightened public anger over fuel prices and the rising cost of living, following a nationwide matatu strike that recently disrupted transport services before being temporarily suspended.
Orengo further warned that Kenya’s growing public debt, now estimated at KSh 12.8 trillion, alongside increasing taxation, was placing unbearable pressure on citizens and threatening economic stability.
His intervention adds to mounting political pressure on the government as calls intensify for urgent measures to cushion Kenyans from worsening economic hardships.
