“Unacceptable”: PS Teresia Mbaika Condemns Burning of UDA Offices During Fuel Price Protests in Wote

By Gedion Nzyoki - 

• Teresia Mbaika condemned the burning of UDA offices during fuel price protests, terming the act unacceptable.
• The PS  said Kenyans have a right to protest but insisted demonstrations must remain peaceful and lawful.
• The protests over rising fuel prices have led to incidents of property damage and transport disruptions in parts of the country.

The Principal Secretary for the State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development in the Ministry of Roads and Transport, Teresia Mbaika, has strongly condemned the burning of UDA offices during Monday’s fuel price protests in Wote Town and other parts of the country.

The Principal Secretary for the State Department for Aviation and Aerospace Development Teresia Mbaika, during a past event. Photo: Teresia Mbaika (Facebook).

In a strongly worded statement shared on her Facebook page and seen by The Daily Brief, Mbaika described the violence and destruction of property as harmful to Kenya’s democratic space and economic stability.

The statement, issued amid growing nationwide protests over the rising cost of fuel and widespread transport disruptions, emphasized that while Kenyans have a constitutional right to demonstrate and express their grievances, protests must remain peaceful and lawful.

“I wish to strongly condemn the burning and destruction of UDA party offices witnessed in Wote, Makueni, during the demonstrations over fuel prices. While every Kenyan has a constitutional right to express their views peacefully, acts of violence, destruction of property, and intimidation are unacceptable and harmful to our democracy and economy,” she said.

The former Devolution PS further urged wananchi to exercise restraint and avoid actions that could escalate into criminal activities capable of affecting businesses, livelihoods, and investor confidence.

According to Mbaika, the unrest risks undermining the constitutional freedom of political association, regardless of an individual’s political affiliation.

The aspiring Kaiti Constituency Member of Parliament also made a direct appeal to residents of Makueni County to maintain peace and protect both public and private property during the ongoing demonstrations.

“I particularly call upon the people of Makueni to uphold peace, restraint, and mutual respect. It is important to protect our communities, businesses, and democratic space by embracing dialogue and peaceful engagement,” she added.

According to eyewitnesses, angry protesters stormed the premises, vandalised property, and later set part of the office on fire during demonstrations linked to the ongoing transport strike and rising fuel costs.

In a separate incident, a vehicle carrying UDA merchandise was reduced to ashes after it was allegedly torched by angry protesters in Githurai 45 along Thika Superhighway.

The unrest comes amid nationwide protests triggered by recent fuel price hikes announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, which pushed petrol and diesel prices to record highs and sparked transport paralysis in several towns across the country.