A Reflection on Leadership, Fuel Hikes, Public Transport Strikes, and the Cry of the Kenyan Mwananchi

#WithAllDueRespect

Tuesday, 19th May. I woke up late today.

Not because I wanted to, but because my phone had gone off during the night and my alarm never rang. I quickly prepared myself and rushed out of the house, trying to make it to work. But even before reaching the main road, fear had already settled in my heart.

Kenya was experiencing a public transport strike that affected even private users. A strike triggered by rising fuel prices fuel that once cost around KES 150 during the previous government ( Uhurus) has now risen to nearly KES 240 under the current administration.

As I approached the roundabout near my home, I immediately sensed something was wrong. The roads were unusually empty. No moving traffic. No cars. No normal morning rush. Just groups of people standing by the roadside waiting for vehicles that never came, others walking long distances, and some simply lingering in uncertainty perhaps waiting for a cue to disrupt roads and access points. Out of fear, I turned back and drove home.

At the same time, two of my team members texted me saying they could not make it to work because roads in their areas had been barricaded. One of them had not even managed to get home the previous night and had been forced to spend the night at work.

That message immediately reminded me of the previous evening. The roads had already been tense and frightening when I was driving home from work. There were broken glasses scattered across the road likely from the day’s disruptions. Burnt tyres still emitted smoke as I passed through certain sections. I saw stranded vehicles, people walking home, and boda boda riders or “bodas” as we fondly call them here in Kenya. As I drove, fear consumed me driving a long stretch during rush hour and there was no car front or back. I was just alone on the road. 

But because I no longer knew who to trust among the people walking beside the roads or riding on bodas. I feared that at any moment, desperation or chaos could turn against innocent people. By God’s grace, I made it home safely, though I had to use a much longer alternative route.

Now seated at home, I looked around and realized my children were also home. They had not gone to school. This was now the second consecutive day. What are you doing to the school curriculum and program? 

And for the first time in a long while, I found myself deeply questioning the current leadership and government of Kenya.

Do Leaders Truly Understand the Ripple Effect of some decisions ?

With all due respect, Mr. President, do you fully understand the ripple effect this transport strike is having on ordinary Kenyans?

As leaders sit in comfortable offices and as reports say the President himself is currently away ordinary citizens are left battling uncertainty, fear, and economic paralysis.

A halt in transport does not only affect movement. It affects an entire nation. When transport stops, a country begins to suffocate economically, socially, and psychologically. The Ripple Effects of a Transport Strike A nationwide transport disruption affects:

Workers trying to report to duty

Children trying to access education

Patients seeking medical care

Small businesses depending on daily sales

Supply chains and food distribution

Tax collection and government revenue

Investor confidence

Public morale and national stability

Most importantly, it affects the poor first.

Those of us privileged enough to work for understanding employers may stay home safely. But what about the ordinary mwananchi? What about the people who survive on small businesses?

The woman selling eggs and smokies by the roadside.

The mama mboga.

The fruit vendors.

The hawkers.

Salons

Garages

The boda boda riders.

The shoe shiners.

The mkokoteni pushers.

The casual construction workers.

The tea sellers.

The mitumba traders.

The kiosk owners.

The small food vendors.

These are people who survive on daily income not monthly salaries. If they do not work today, they may sleep hungry tonight. And many of them have children and families depending entirely on them.

******

My Message to President William Ruto

#With all due respect, 

Mr. President, I have defended and continue to defend your government for a long time even though I did not vote for you. You were not the issue but I just don't trust the Kenyan voting process...When my preferred presidential candidate now deceased the late Hon. RAILA AMOLO ODINGA OGINGA lost to Mwai Kibaki, my vote was not respected and since I prefer not to cast my vote 

In 2022 even with the Late. RAILA Amollo on the ballot. I believed in you. Perhaps it was because of your strong public faith in God. Sometimes God qualifies people even when society doubts them. In the 2022 elections, many questioned whether you would succeed, yet somehow events aligned in your favor. I know God did it. God allowed it. I believe God allowed William Samoei Ruto to become the 5th President of Kenya. Even now, there still appears to be grace upon your leadership.

The president has a ❤️ heart 

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYuJ6rusduR/?igsh=MXFwaGV6cjdqYmhmZg==

You still possess certain advantages:

1. You openly acknowledge God in your leadership. Gods grace and favour is still upon you.

2. The opposition remains fragmented and not strong enough to mount a united challenge may be 2032

3. As the sitting President, you naturally hold a stronger chance of winning another term.

Even with the “one term” chants and opposition alliances, you still stand a significant chance politically. I know so.

But that should not create arrogance or a sense of invincibility. Anything can happen. Leadership is temporary. Power is temporary. GRACE and FAVOR is also seasonal.

As Kenyans, we may not have direct power over you politically, but the grace and favor that carried you into office and is still with you can also diminish if ignored. And strangely enough, despite widespread frustrations, I still feel there is something genuine about you. Even among those losing hope, there remains a small lingering confidence perhaps because of that grace.

You have done some things well for this nation. Achievements Under the Current Administration To be fair and balanced, there are initiatives under your government that deserve recognition:

Affordable Housing Program: gaining global recognition 👏 

The housing agenda has created jobs for some youth and construction workers while attempting to address Kenya’s housing deficit.

Passed the law established a housing fund and a housing,mobilized 5B usd from.doemstic resources without borrowing from any global institutions  and also standardized the construction to cut costs. 

Employed 640, 000 young people architects , quantity surveyors, carpetenters etc and looking at employing 1M young people in the short term. Who is keeping this numbers?

Todate: Largest housing program in Africa, Building 273, 000 housing units, only 8000 keys have been handed over, 55, 000 keys will be handed over before 2026, and a pipeline of 700,000 units.

This will help reverse slum growth and a replacing them with this housing projects.

Reduced land fragmentation therefore have more land to do agriculture by consolidating settlements in proper organized cities.

M. President explain this to me.in layman's language how does the cost of a slum house the same price as a skyscraper on 11th floor? How is the social house on the 11th floor the same as the cost of a slum dwelling house in kibra for instance?  What mechanism is that? Please break it down like a child?

Stats: 25%  of  the world population will be leaving in Africa by 2050. Housing is important and urgent. 70 % will ne living in the urban centres (uumh).

Listening to you today Mr. President your speech in Azerbaijan. 

Raising valid concerns.

Africa cannot access funding of housing support. Africa pays two three times more because of elements of risk. (Paradox?). There is need  reforms for Africa financial architecture.

Of the 1.5B people in Africa continent the largest body of members of the UN , 55 countries from Africa are not represented at the highest decision making organ of the United Nation  Security Council and 60% of the agenda on National United Council are africa related and issues.  For survival of united nations there must be reforms that corrects this anomaly. The UN and UN security council becomes representative, democratic brings on board the few of the 🌍  continent. This Mr. President is a paradox. 

This is how will solve the problems of the present, figure out a better future in Baku there is opportunity to influence the cities of the future and make them livable, suistanbale  and good for everybody. 

https://x.com/i/status/2056366847922950324

SHA (Social Health Authority)

Though controversial, the shift toward universal healthcare aims to expand medical access for Kenyans.

Digital Economy and Call Centres

Your administration has attempted to create opportunities in digital work, outsourcing, and international labour export programs.

Infrastructure and Data Centres

There have been efforts toward digital transformation and technological investment.

International Diplomacy

Kenya’s international profile has grown through high-level summits and partnerships.

One example is the recent Africa Forward Summit, co-hosted alongside global leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron. The summit elevated Kenya’s visibility globally and focused on investment, innovation, climate partnerships, and African economic cooperation.

Hosting such international events has advantages:

It positions Kenya strategically on the global stage

Encourages foreign investment

Creates diplomatic partnerships

Strengthens trade negotiations

Enhances tourism and international visibility

Boost Industry  e.g tourism, events, entertainments spaces, transport etc

These things matter. And credit should be given where due.

But Achievements Cannot Silence Public Pain At the same time, painful realities cannot be ignored.

Under the same administration, Kenya has also experienced moments that damaged the country’s image globally.

The Gen Z protests left young Kenyans dead. Whether directly linked to leadership decisions or not, history will still record that it happened under your administration. And leadership carries responsibility.

As someone who has held leadership positions myself  even in smaller capacities  I understand one important truth:

If one person questions your leadership, perhaps it is isolated.

If two, three, four, or an entire nation raises concerns, then a wise leader pauses, reflects, and addresses the root causes.

You cannot ignore three-quarters of a country questioning governance, taxation, cost of living, corruption, and priorities.

The Economic Contradiction

Listening to an analysts today by Dr.Fred Ogola on TV47 discussing government expenditure was alarming. You have a responsibility? You have to issue an executive order? Questioning a crisis  of leadership?  There is need for shepherd leadership? 50% of our cost of fuel comes from taxes? With this going on you will collect less revenues? Listen and Act.The analysis of the goverment guzzlers at 1870 and in every two weeks the cars are taken to Toyota Kenya for service at Kes 300K per vehicle to keep the cars moving people around? Thats a spend of 170B? Surely? 

Reports indicate government expenditure, statehouse alone is at 17B has risen drastically from previous regime,  while revenues grow at a much smaller rate.

Dr. Ogolla states a leader eats last? As a head of state look at your expenditure.Do something internally? 

Even in business, this model where expenditure  is more than revenue is unsustainable. We cannot have an increase of 63% on expenditure and 4.3% revenue growth as a country? It should be vise versa. In corporate we have crisis meeting and budget meeting when business is low where we put measures that cascade down to our teams on measures to reduce costs, cut on expenses not just for now but for any eventualities.

No small business.

No corporation.

No country.

Can survive long-term if expenditure grows aggressively while revenues lag behind.

As a leader i always urge my team members. To take care of our employer business or company like their own. The decisions you make or attitude you carry to work, is it same attitude you will have for your own empire? The decisions you male privately not publicaly are what carries the day? 

Data never lies.

And today, data is king.

Iam asking difficult but legitimate questions:

1. Why announce fuel hikes immediately after hosting an expensive international summit?

2. How much public money was spent hosting dignitaries and performers?

3. Why does government spending appear excessive while citizens are asked to tighten belts?

4. Why do neighbouring countries supplied through Kenya sometimes have cheaper fuel?

These are uncomfortable questions, but they are real.

The Problem Is Not Just Fuel  It Is Trust. The issue is bigger than fuel prices. It is trust. Kenyans feel unheard. They feel dismissed. They feel leaders are becoming disconnected from the realities of ordinary citizens. Promises of transforming Kenya into “Singapore” are now shifting toward comparisons with Korea.

I am asking?

Which direction are we truly going?

Good leadership often under-promises and over-delivers.

What frustrates citizens is not sacrifice itself, it is sacrifice without visible fairness.

Majority of Kenyans pay taxes faithfully. But they also see lavish lifestyles among political elites splashed daily across headlines and social media. That contradiction breeds resentment.

Leadership Reflects Through Those Around You Last night, watching cabinet secretaries from energy and transport address the transport crisis was deeply concerning. At one point, a Cabinet Secretary speaking was abruptly interrupted and publicly contradicted. By chants of #withallduerespect. Another dwelling on reaction comparison with the previous goverment of why as a nation we did not have a strike with the same situation.

That humiliation does not only reflect on the individual or the CS. It reflects on the current leadership.

As a mother and leader myself, I understand this clearly:

How my children behave reflects on me.

How my team behaves reflects on me

How your Cabinet behaves reflects on you.

Mr.President

When leaders appear dismissive, defensive, or disconnected from public pain, citizens eventually associate that attitude with the President himself. The Cost of Ignoring the Common Mwananchi. The ordinary Kenyan understands more than leaders think.

People understand that fuel affects everything:

Unga prices

Transport fares

Groceries

School expenses

Rent

Farming costs

Electricity

Business operations

A fuel increase is never “just fuel.”

It becomes the cost of survival itself.

And this is why Kenyans are reacting emotionally and passionately. Not because they hate leadership. But because they are exhausted.

Humility in Leadership

Mr. President, with all due respect, humility matters deeply in leadership. As I write this article the fuel price strike has been suspended for seven days. Thank you but moving forward.

Remember:

The Bible reminds us repeatedly that pride comes before a fall. Not saying you are proud but leadership can sometimes become insulated. One thing I still admire about you is your calmness under criticism.

Kenyans insult you openly online and in public spaces, yet you have largely allowed freedom of expression to continue. Not every leader would tolerate that level of criticism. That deserves acknowledgment and some level of humility. But listening is more powerful than tolerating criticism. Even the Bible says be quick to listen.....

Listening heals nations.

This is no longer the era of former President Daniel arap Moi where information could be controlled easily. The internet never forgets. During campaigns in 2022, promises were made publicly:

Lower taxes

Lower levies

Better lives for ordinary citizens

Relief for hustlers and mama mbogas

Those speeches still exist online today.

And many Kenyans now compare those promises against current realities.

That gap between promise and reality is what fuels public frustration.

On SHA, Housing, and Sustainability

The SHA project is not entirely bad.

Some Kenyans have genuinely benefited from healthcare reforms.

However, concerns about transparency, corruption risks, and disappearing funds continue to emerge publicly.

The same applies to the housing agenda.

While some jobs have been created, important questions remain:

Is the project sustainable long-term?

What happens once construction slows down?

Can housing alone solve unemployment?

Are youth being prepared for broader economic opportunities beyond temporary labour?

These are valid development questions not attacks.

Infrastructure Still Matters

After heavy rains, why do roads within Nairobi still resemble abandoned paths filled with potholes large enough to damage vehicles?

Why do some estates still lack proper tarmacked roads?

Infrastructure is not cosmetic.

Proper infrastructure:

Improves trade

Reduces transport costs

Increases investor confidence

Enhances safety

Improves public health

Creates jobs

Raises quality of life

Infrastructure is one of the clearest visible signs citizens use to judge governance.

******

Final Reflection

Mr. President, #withallduerespect:

Listen to Kenyans.

Listen to Wanjiku.

Listen to the mama mboga you once passionately spoke about during campaigns.

Listen while grace is still upon your leadership.

Because leadership is not only about power.

It is about stewardship.

I still hold faith in you perhaps because of your public love for God and the belief that God placed you in leadership for a reason and lest you forget a season.

In many ways, you remind me of David in the Bible:

A flawed man.

A controversial man.

But still a man whose heart sought God.

That is the faith some of us still hold onto.

But faith without action eventually weakens.

Kenya is hurting.

When a nation begins shutting down because of fuel prices and transport paralysis, that is no longer politics. That is a national warning sign.

And warnings should never be ignored especially now heading into elections. This country is ours. We are all proudly 🇰🇪. 

*******

A Lesson From Previous Leadership

With all due respect, Mr. President, many Kenyans are not comparing governments simply for politics. They are comparing responses, empathy, and leadership during difficult moments.

During former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration, Kenya also experienced global fuel hikes and economic pressure. However, one thing stood out during that period: leadership publicly addressed the concerns of wananchi directly.

President Uhuru came out publicly, acknowledged the burden Kenyans were carrying, and assured citizens that measures would be taken to reduce the fuel increase. He also urged businesses not to take advantage of the situation by unnecessarily inflating prices of basic commodities and services.

That mattered.

Not because everything became perfect overnight, but because citizens felt heard.

Leadership is not only about policy.

It is also about reassurance.

It is about empathy. People forget what you do or say but never forget how you make them feel.

It is about calming a nation when fear and frustration begin rising.

Today, Kenyans are looking for that same reassurance from you, Mr. President.

Not defensiveness.

Not blame.

Not explanations about global wars (hummus, iran) alone.

But leadership that listens, empathizes, and acts with URGENCY.

Redeeming Public Confidence

Mr. President, I still believe in you.

I still believe there is grace upon your leadership.

Please redeem the confidence and trust that many Kenyans had in you during your campaigns and at the beginning of your presidency.

Think about your legacy.

Think beyond today’s politics.

Think beyond allies, political loyalists, and those surrounding you in government.

Think about the ordinary mwananchi.

Reconnect with the youth.

Reconnect with Gen Z.

Reconnect with the mama mboga, the hustlers, and the ordinary Kenyans who once saw themselves in your story.

One thing that clearly stands out about you is that you reward loyalty and you help people. Many people especially those that have had a privilege of bren close to you, have testified to your generosity both publicly and privately. But also in that generosity like business mena shrewd firm leader.

But remember  millions of Kenyans voted for you, not just political allies.

There is something good in you.

And perhaps that is why God allowed your presidency.

I genuinely believe that.

That is why many people who are disappointed still have not completely lost hope in you. 

Please do the right thing now.

Not later.

Now.

As Kenya moves closer toward the next General Election, focus not only on securing a second term, but on securing the hearts and confidence of Kenyans once again.

Because power alone does not build legacy.

People do.

And history always remembers leaders who listened when their nations cried out.

Your generation will enjoy yiur legacy.

“Speaking truth with respect, reflection, and hope for a better Kenya.”

*******

Kenya Must Listen Before Crisis Strikes Again

As I conclude this article, the Government of Kenya, the Nairobi County Government, and transport stakeholders have finally come to an understanding to suspend the fuel strike that had stalled the country for one and a half days.

First, this is a good move, and thanks to the government for finally stepping in and taking responsibility to cushion Kenyans from the high cost of living. The conversation should not always be about external issues such as wars abroad. Leaders must also look internally and find solutions at home first before shifting blame elsewhere.

We acknowledge that the government reduced VAT on petroleum products by 8% and utilized the Petroleum Development Levy to stabilize fuel prices. We also saw diesel prices reduced by KES 10. But if prices can be reduced by KES 10, then clearly more can still be done. The question many Kenyans are asking is: did it really have to get to the point of paralyzing the country’s economy before these concerns were taken seriously?

Kenya is not a kiosk. Kenya is a nation of millions of citizens who deserve serious leadership and responsive governance. Leaders must take the concerns of the people who put them in power seriously.

As I listened to the press briefing by the Cabinet Secretaries for Transport and Energy, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, and transport stakeholders, I sincerely hope this agreement was reached in good faith and not through compromise or behind-the-scenes dealings. What matters now is that the high-level dialogue leads to meaningful and lasting change in the transport and fuel sectors.

This fuel crisis has not only affected the public transport sector, but also private businesses, workers, families, and ordinary private vehicle owners struggling to survive in a difficult economy.

I also commend the transport stakeholders for standing firm in demanding better conditions for the sector. Their call for a reduction of up to KES 46, and possibly more in future negotiations, clearly reflects the pain Kenyans are facing. As negotiations continue over the next week leading up to Tuesday, May 26, the government must approach these discussions seriously and honestly.

At the same time, I agree with the government’s condemnation of the violence witnessed during the strike. Kenyans must learn to protest with decorum and responsibility. Do not harm fellow citizens, police officers, businesses, or people’s livelihoods. Strikes should never become opportunities to destroy the country further.

Lives were lost yesterday. Those were fathers, mothers, husbands, wives, children, and breadwinners. Vehicles that were burned belonged to ordinary Kenyans simply trying to go to work or survive another day. Why destroy your fellow citizens’ property? We must all take personal responsibility for our actions during times of unrest.

The government was not responsible for the destruction carried out by individuals, and the call by the Transport CS for peaceful engagement was the right one. Grievances must always be aired peacefully.

Although the stakeholders admitted they were not fully satisfied, they agreed to give negotiations a chance for the sake of the country. However, they also made it clear that if the high-level talks fail, the strike may return. That should be a wake-up call to leaders.

One of the strongest moments from the press briefing came from Muchiri, CEO of the Federation of Public Transport Sector (FPTS), and the National Chairman of the Kenya Association of Matatu Owners and Operators (KAMTO). Their message was clear the transport industry must be treated seriously because it is a critical pillar of Kenya’s economy.

One statement stood out deeply had the government taken the strike notice seriously when it was announced on Friday, May 15, the country would never have reached this point of economic paralysis.

The consequences of just one day of disruption were massive. Businesses lost revenue. Sick people struggled to reach hospitals. Workers could not report to work. Families slept hungry. The country paid a heavy price.

Going forward, the government must start listening and acting immediately when Kenyans raise concerns not only on fuel, but on every issue affecting citizens. Stop wasting time. Stop treating Kenyans’ grievances as jokes. Leadership must be responsive, thoughtful, and compassionate toward the struggles people face daily.

I also appreciate the government’s recognition of the transport sector as a critical economic driver of the nation. Equally, I respect the decision by transport stakeholders to suspend the strike and allow room for negotiations because, ultimately, we all have a country to build.

I only hope the stakeholders have not been compromised and that all parties will genuinely work toward a permanent solution. Kenyans are suffering across all sectors of the economy and deserve relief.

As Governor Sakaja (public transport stakeholdes quarantor) stated, where there is dialogue and mutual respect, a solution can always be found because, at the end of the day, we are all Kenyans.

Let us rebuild and strengthen our economy even as these issues are being resolved.

I also appreciated the call made to financial institutions to consider amnesty and support for struggling Kenyans. In difficult times, every sector  including government, businesses, and financial institutions must find ways to cushion citizens.

For the sake of the nation, I hope this matter is resolved once and for all.

MN Collective Insights — Unfiltered

Believe. Brand.  Build 

A nation can survive difficult seasons.

But no nation survives long when its people stop feeling heard.

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