Constitutional lawyer and senior presidential economic adviser Makau Mutua sparked debate Tuesday after telling fuel protesters to “go open the Strait of Hormuz,” as public frustration mounted over rising pump prices.
Writing on X, Mutua suggested demonstrators redirect their energy toward the strategic waterway, a key artery for global oil shipments. The comment, delivered with a mix of sarcasm and critique, underscored the international forces shaping domestic fuel costs.
The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas flows. Any disruption there can quickly reverberate across global markets, affecting prices in countries far removed from the Persian Gulf.
Mutua’s remarks came as Kenya grapples with fluctuating fuel prices influenced by global supply chains, foreign exchange pressures and taxation policies.
Protests in Nairobi against rising fuel prices struggled to gain momentum, with early morning rains dampening turnout across the capital.
Only a small number of demonstrators, largely young activists, gathered in scattered groups, chanting slogans and waving Kenyan flags. Anti-riot police maintained a visible presence but initially kept their distance.
Low turnout and global pressures shape fuel protest debate
As the day progressed, police moved in to disperse the groups, arresting several protesters in the central business district. Authorities had earlier warned that the protests would be considered unlawful without formal notification under public order regulations.
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority set April’s maximum pump prices in Nairobi at KSh 197.60 for Super Petrol and KSh 196.63 for Diesel after a reduction in value-added tax to 8 percent.
The revised prices followed an earlier announcement that briefly pushed fuel costs above Sh200 per litre, triggering public outcry and calls for demonstrations.
The Strait of Hormuz links major oil producers such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq and Qatar to global markets. Ongoing geopolitical tensions have increased shipping risks and insurance premiums, raising fuel costs globally.
These additional costs are often passed down the supply chain, ultimately affecting consumers in import-dependent economies like Kenya.
Tuesday’s events illustrated the difficulty of sustaining protest movements around complex economic issues tied to global systems. Rain-soaked streets and limited turnout underscored the challenges facing organizers seeking to translate online frustration into sustained civic action.
Mutua’s remarks added a broader perspective to the debate, highlighting how global energy dynamics continue to influence Kenya’s cost of living beyond domestic policy decisions.
