With All Due Respect

A Nation at a Standstill: Kenya’s Transport Crisis, Leadership, and the Cry of Wanjiku

Tuesday, 19th May 2026

I woke up late today.

Not intentionally. My alarm never rang because my phone had gone off during the night. By the time I realized it, panic had already set in. I hurriedly prepared for work, my mind racing, my heart uneasy. Outside, the country already felt tense.

Kenya was waking up to another day of transport paralysis.

Public transport operators had gone on strike over rising fuel prices a crisis that has steadily intensified over the last few years. Fuel that once cost around KSh 150 per litre during the previous administration has now crossed the KSh 240 mark in some places. For many Kenyans, this is no longer just about fuel. It is about survival.

As I left home, uncertainty followed me.

I reached a roundabout near my estate expecting the usual morning traffic, matatus hooting, boda bodas weaving through lanes, people rushing to work. Instead, the roads were eerily empty. No cars. No movement. Just clusters of stranded people standing by the roadside, waiting hopelessly for transport that was not coming.

Some were walking.

Some looked angry.

Others simply looked defeated.

There was tension in the air the kind that makes you question whether it is safer to proceed or to turn back.

Out of fear, I made the decision to go back home.

At almost the same moment, two of my colleagues texted me saying they could not make it to work. One told me roads near their area had been barricaded. Another had not even managed to go home the previous night and had spent the night at work because the roads had become too dangerous to travel.

Suddenly, memories from the previous evening came flooding back.

I remembered driving home in fear. Burnt tyres still smoking by the roadside. Broken glass scattered across the road from earlier protests and disruptions. People walking home in groups. Boda boda riders everywhere. In Kenya, we fondly call them bodas but on nights like that, fear distorts everything. You no longer know who to trust.

As I drove, every unfamiliar face looked suspicious. Every crowd made me tense. I kept wondering: Will someone suddenly stop my car? Will I make it home safely?

By God’s grace, I did.

But only after using a much longer alternative route home.

Today, my children are also at home. Schools were disrupted again. This is the second day in a row. And for the first time in a long time, I found myself deeply questioning the current leadership and direction of our country.

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

When Transport Stops, A Nation Suffers. A transport strike does not only affect movement. It affects an entire economy. When transport systems collapse, even temporarily, the consequences spread across every level of society:

Workers cannot get to work.

Children cannot go to school.

Businesses lose customers.

Deliveries stop.

Food prices rise.

Hospitals become harder to access.

Productivity declines.

Fear spreads.

Investors lose confidence.

National revenue drops.

And while some of us are fortunate enough to work for employers who can understand and allow us to stay home, what about the millions who survive on daily income?

What about:

Mama mboga selling vegetables by the roadside?

The smokie and egg vendors?

Boda boda riders?

Casual construction workers?

Hawkers?

Market traders?

Small kiosks?

Mitumba sellers?

Car wash attendants?

Mjengo workers?

Conductors?

Small-scale farmers transporting produce?

These people do not survive on monthly salaries. They survive one day at a time. If they do not work today, some families sleep hungry tonight. That is the reality of Kenya.

A Message to President William Ruto

With all due respect, Mr. President, I have defended your government for a long time even though I did not vote for you.

I believed in you.

Perhaps it was because of your faith and the strong emphasis you place on God. Sometimes God elevates people despite public doubt. In the 2022 elections, many questioned your chances, yet somehow the tide turned in your favor.

I still believe God allowed you to become President of Kenya. And perhaps that is why, despite everything happening, there remains a certain grace around your leadership.

Even now, while many Kenyans have lost hope, there are still people who believe there is something redeemable in your presidency and about you. But grace should never become an excuse for arrogance. Leadership requires humility.

The Reality Facing Your Government. Your administration has undertaken ambitious projects and reforms:

Some Positive Achievements Under Your Administration

The current government has initiated or accelerated several national projects and reforms, including:

The Affordable Housing Programme.

Expansion of digital jobs and ICT hubs.

Taifa Care / SHA healthcare transition.

International investment summits and bilateral deals.

Climate and green energy partnerships.

Efforts to position Kenya as a regional tech and economic hub.

Youth employment initiatives and overseas labor agreements.

Infrastructure expansion projects.

Kenya’s hosting of major diplomatic and investment events.

Your administration has also elevated Kenya’s global visibility through international engagements, including meetings with world leaders and investors.

The recent Africa-focused summit attended by African presidents, global investors, and leaders from the private sector helped position Kenya as an important continental player. Hosting such events boosts diplomatic influence, tourism, business confidence, and international partnepartnerships. These are not small achievements. They deserve recognition.

But In Equal Measure, Serious Concerns Exist

Under your leadership, Kenya has also experienced:

Rising cost of living.

Increased taxation.

Public anger over fuel prices.

Growing debt concerns.

Public mistrust.

Youth frustration and unemployment.

Widespread criticism over government expenditure.

Gen Z protests that damaged Kenya’s international image and reportedly led to deaths and injuries.

Concerns over corruption and accountability.

Public dissatisfaction with communication from government officials.

Leadership is not judged only by achievements. It is judged by how leaders respond when citizens cry out. If one person complains, perhaps you ignore it. If millions complain, then leadership must pause and listen. That is wisdom.

The Fuel Crisis and Government Spending

Kenyans are not only angry because fuel prices are high. They are angry because many feel government spending does not reflect the sacrifices citizens are being asked to make.

People are questioning:

Lavish government expenditure.

Constant fundraising contributions.

Expensive summits and travel.

Increasing government budgets.

Growing taxes while citizens struggle.

Economists have repeatedly warned that expenditure growth without proportional revenue growth is unsustainable. Even in business, if your expenses rise by 60% while your revenues rise by only 4%, eventually the system becomes unstable. Data never lies. And Kenyans are now paying attention to data.

The SHA Debate

Your government replaced NHIF with the Social Health Authority (SHA).

Supporters argue SHA has potential benefits:

Wider healthcare inclusion.

Digital health systems.

Better universal healthcare structure.

Critics, however, raise concerns about:

Transition confusion.

Technical failures.

Delayed services.

Corruption risks.

Transparency concerns.

Insurance payment issues.

The problem is not always reform itself. Sometimes the problem is implementation. A leader must know when to improve an existing system instead of completely dismantling it.

Housing Projects: Vision vs Sustainability

The Affordable Housing Programme has created jobs and infrastructure opportunities. Thousands have benefited temporarily through construction work and related industries.

But critical questions remain:

How sustainable are these jobs?

What happens once construction ends?

Can ordinary Kenyans truly afford these homes?

Is housing alone enough to solve youth unemployment?

Development must be holistic.

Housing alone cannot carry an economy.

Infrastructure Matters

Infrastructure is one of the strongest foundations of economic growth.

Good roads:

Reduce transport costs.

Improve trade.

Attract investors.

Create jobs.

Improve safety.

Connect communities.

Yet today, even after heavy taxation, many roads in Nairobi and across Kenya remain full of potholes as big as manholes. Some estate roads remain untarmacked despite years of promises. This is Nairobi the main city. 

Citizens naturally ask:

Where is the money going?

Leadership, Humility, and Listening

Mr. President, one of your greatest strengths has always been your ability to absorb criticism without immediate retaliation. Many leaders before you would never tolerate the level of public criticism you currently face. Kenyans still have freedom to speak.

That matters.

But freedom alone is not enough.

People also want to feel heard.

The Bible speaks repeatedly about humility:

“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs 16:18

And also:

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.” Psalm 34:18

Leadership is not proven when things are easy.

It is proven when a nation is hurting.

Kenya Is Tired

Kenyans are tired.

Not because they hate leadership or maybe some do. But because survival is becoming harder. The common mwananchi does not experience government through speeches, comparisons and justifications. We need urgent solutions.

They experience government through:

Food prices.

Fuel prices.

Rent.

School fees.

Transport fares.

Electricity bills.

Healthcare costs.

That is where leadership becomes real.

A Final Appeal Mr. President, with all due respect: Listen to Kenyans. Not your advisors. Not your allies. Not the political class. Listen to ordinary Kenyans. Listen to mama mboga. Listen to boda riders. Listen to workers stranded on roads. Listen to young people losing hope. Listen to business owners struggling to survive. There is still grace around your leadership. But grace should lead to humility, not distance from the people.

History remembers leaders not only for the projects they launched, but for whether they listened when their people cried.

Kenya does not need perfection. Kenya needs compassion. Wisdom. Balance. Accountability. And leadership willing to hear the heartbeat of its people.

Because when transport stops, when schools close, when fear fills the streets, and when citizens begin questioning whether tomorrow will be better than today that is not just a political issue.

That is a national warning sign.

And wise leaders pay attention before the silence of suffering becomes the noise of unrest.

********

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.

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 alone.

But leadership that listens, empathizes, and acts.

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 have testified to your generosity both publicly and privately.

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.

“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

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