Cotu plans 10-day strike over fuel prices

 By Mutinda Mwanzia

Kenyans should brace for a not so merry Christmas following the move by the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (Cotu) to call for a 10-day countrywide strike to protest the escalating cost of living due to the high fuel prices.

The strike will affect travellers heading upcountry for the festive season since Cotu has roped in the Matatu Welfare Association (MWA) in the industrial action.

Cotu Secretary General Francis Atwoli says the workers umbrella union is demanding a 30 percent reduction on all petroleum products, which will automatically cut prices of basic commodities.

The strike is set to begin on December 19 to December 27.

Prices of essential foodstuffs have risen by over 50 percent in the past six months with the low income earners bearing the brunt of the inflation.

The Chairman of MWA Dickson Mbugua says Cotu has enlisted the support of all industrial sectors, including matatu organisations, which he said were ready to join the strike.

"Throughout the strike period, there will be no Kenyan going to work nor will there be transport," says Mbugua.

Atwoli has said Cotu has written to President Kibaki urging him to act to ease pressure on Kenyans and ensure that prices of essential commodities come down.

Mbugua said matatu owners have been hard hit by the rise in fuel prices and accused the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) of working for the interests of oil cartels.

He said high fuel costs have eaten wholly in the profits of matatu owners as well as pushing up their maintenance costs.

"Many matatu owners can no longer service their bank loans and are being pushed out of business on a daily basis," said Mbugua.

Several organisations have also called for urgent interventions to curb skyrocketing fuel prices that have pushed the prices of essential goods through the roof.

High kerosene prices have hit users especially those in the rural areas since kerosene is the fuel of choice among low-income earners.

Motorists have also been hard hit by the high fuel prices forcing many to limit the use of their private vehicles.

"I have been forced to use public means to work since fuelling my vehicle daily from Thika to Nairobi is becoming expensive," said Ruth Kimani, a banker at a financial institution.