Activists have issued the government with a 72-hour ultimatum to respond to demands for lower fuel prices, warning that nationwide demonstrations could begin on Tuesday, October 20, if authorities fail to address their concerns.
The activists, led by lawyer John Ndegwa, announced on Friday, October 16, 2026, that they would intensify their campaign against high fuel costs and the rising cost of living.
They also plan to collect one million signatures on Wednesday, October 21, in a move intended to increase pressure on the government to take action.
“We hereby issue a 72-hour ultimatum for a substantive public response to this demand,” Ndegwa said.
Fellow activist Nicholas Oyoo maintained that the campaign would continue until the group received a satisfactory response from the relevant authorities.
“If the relevant authorities fail to provide satisfactory answers, on Tuesday…” Oyoo said, warning that the activists were prepared to take their campaign to the streets.
“We are telling you we are not going to stop,” he added.
Activists Turn Up Pressure Over Fuel Costs
The campaign comes amid growing concern over the impact of fuel prices on transport costs, household budgets and the prices of essential goods and services.
The activists argue that the government must address motorists’ and commuters’ concerns rather than allow the burden of rising fuel costs to fall on ordinary Kenyans.
They have called for a substantive response from the relevant authorities, warning that failure to address their demands could trigger demonstrations across the country.
The proposed collection of one million signatures is expected to form part of their efforts to demonstrate public support for lower fuel prices.
Matatu Leaders Accused of Failing Kenyans
The activists also criticised matatu association leaders who met President William Ruto at State House in Mombasa in May, accusing them of failing to deliver on their reported commitment to push for lower fuel prices.
The leaders had suspended their planned strike after the meeting, but the activists now claim that commuters and transport operators continue to bear the consequences of high fuel costs.
“Matatu Sacco leaders, you came and deceived Kenyans that you had gone to negotiate with President Ruto to reduce fuel prices. Now you are telling Kenyans that you are going to increase fares. Shame on you,” Oyoo said.
He challenged the leaders to honour any commitments made during their engagement with the President instead of passing the rising cost of operations to passengers.
The accusations reflect growing tensions over how transport operators should respond to higher operating expenses while protecting commuters from further fare increases.
Mombasa Matatus Announce 10 Per Cent Fare Increase
The activists’ ultimatum comes as matatu operators in Mombasa announced a 10 per cent increase in fares from Monday, October 19, citing the latest fuel price adjustment.
The operators said the increase would apply across their routes, arguing that existing fares had become increasingly difficult to sustain amid rising fuel costs.
One operator said earnings from some journeys were insufficient to cover operating expenses and urged the government to address fuel prices, which affect transport and the cost of numerous essential services.
The proposed increase is expected to put additional pressure on commuters already struggling with the rising cost of living.
Government Response Could Determine Next Move
The activists have warned that demonstrations could follow if the government fails to provide a satisfactory response within the stipulated period.
Their planned signature drive on Wednesday is also intended to build pressure for action on fuel prices.
With transport operators considering higher fares and activists threatening nationwide protests, the coming days could prove significant in the debate over fuel costs and their impact on Kenyan households.
The activists have yet to announce further details of the planned demonstrations, including specific locations and routes.
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