President William Ruto has clarified that he did not instruct transport sector stakeholders, including matatu leaders, to call off their planned strike.

Speaking during the National Prayer Breakfast held on Thursday, May 28, the President explained that his engagement with transport leaders focused on discussing the ongoing fuel crisis in the country rather than influencing their decision.

He said he spent about two to three hours with the stakeholders, where he laid out the facts surrounding fuel supply challenges and reminded them of a similar crisis experienced in 2022 shortly after he assumed office.

According to Ruto, the earlier period was marked by fuel shortages, long queues at petrol stations, and economic strain, which was partly linked to heavy government spending on fuel subsidies.

He noted that the country had spent between KSh150 billion and KSh160 billion on oil subsidies, which he described as financially unsustainable if not managed carefully.

The President emphasised that after presenting the situation and historical context, the stakeholders independently decided to cancel their planned nationwide strike.He insisted that their decision was not influenced by directives from him but was instead based on the information and realities they discussed.The Matatu Owners Association had earlier confirmed the cancellation of the strike after meetings with government representatives and the President.Their leadership stated that the decision was guided by civic responsibility and a desire to support solutions to the country’s economic challenges.Ruto further remarked that the stakeholders even sought prayers from him after the discussions, highlighting the seriousness of the engagement.The clarification comes amid public debate over whether the government influenced the transport sector’s decision to halt industrial action.