By KPC Reporter
The Law Society of Kenya has announced plans to take legal action against the latest fuel price increase by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority.
The Society warned that the move has plunged the country deeper into economic distress and triggered widespread public unrest.
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In a statement, LSK President Charles Kanjama said the sharp rise in fuel prices had caused nationwide disruption, with barricaded roads, tear gas-filled streets and thousands of Kenyans forced to walk to work after transport operations were affected.
“The images of barricaded roads, tear gas-filled streets and thousands of citizens forced to walk long distances to work are not isolated incidents of unrest,” Kanjama said.
“They are the visible consequences of a deepening economic and governance crisis.”
The latest adjustment saw diesel prices rise by KSh46.29, a move Kanjama said would have devastating effects on transport, food production, small businesses and the overall cost of living.
“The recent KSh46.29 increase in diesel prices carries far-reaching implications for transport, food production, small businesses and the overall cost of living,” he stated.
Kanjama questioned the transparency behind the fuel pricing structure, accusing the government of overburdening citizens through excessive petroleum taxes and levies.
“Kenyans are entitled to full clarity on the legal and policy basis informing the current fuel pricing structure,” he said, while also demanding transparency on public participation and consumer protection measures considered before implementing the new prices.
The LSK president further raised concerns over reports of expensive sulphur-laced diesel being procured into the country, calling for an “urgent, transparent and independent investigation” into the allegations.
“Where corruption, negligence or regulatory failure has contributed to inflated fuel costs, those responsible must be held fully accountable,” he added.
At the same time, the society condemned what it termed as excessive use of force by police during demonstrations witnessed across parts of the country.
“The loss of life and the use of excessive force against citizens exercising constitutionally protected freedoms is unacceptable and must be unequivocally condemned,” Kanjama said.
He maintained that Kenyans have a constitutional right to peaceful assembly and demonstrations under Articles 33 and 37 of the Constitution, adding that the State has a duty to protect protesters while maintaining order.
“Arbitrary arrests, indiscriminate force and violent suppression of dissent have no place in a constitutional democracy governed by the rule of law,” he stated.
The LSK now says it is preparing urgent court action to challenge the latest EPRA notice and seek accountability over fuel pricing and diesel procurement concerns.
“Kenya requires leadership grounded in constitutional fidelity, economic justice and institutional accountability, not reactionary policymaking at the expense of the citizens,” Kanjama said.
