The Lindamwanchi splinter faction within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) led by Siaya Governor James Orengo has issued a raft of demands to the government, calling for urgent intervention over rising fuel prices and police brutality.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

In a statement released on Tuesday, May 19, Orengo, condemned what he termed as widespread violations of constitutional rights during the recent anti-fuel price demonstrations witnessed across several parts of the country.

To cushion Kenyans from the rising cost of living, the faction proposed several urgent economic interventions including reducing Value Added Tax on fuel to zero, lowering the fuel levy by Ksh7, cutting importer and marketer margins by Ksh4 and introducing a direct Ksh5 billion diesel subsidy.

According to the faction, the combined measures would immediately lower diesel prices by at least Ksh54, offering relief to households, transport operators and businesses already struggling with high operational costs caused by soaring fuel prices.

📌 What You Need to Know

The faction accused the government of violently suppressing peaceful protesters who had taken to the streets to oppose the escalating fuel prices that triggered demonstrations and a nationwide transport strike beginning Monday, May 18.

"We strongly condemn the overt violation of constitutional rights during peaceful public demonstrations against the escalating cost of fuel. Every Kenyan possesses an inalienable right to assemble, picket, and express grievances without fear of state intimidation or violent suppression," the statement read in part.

The group also condemned attacks on journalists covering the demonstrations, saying media freedom remained a non-negotiable pillar of democracy and that security officers should protect rather than target reporters documenting public events.

At the same time, Orengo’s faction raised alarm over increasing cases of alleged police brutality during the protests, claiming that at least four people had died during the demonstrations, including three who were allegedly shot dead and another reportedly run over by a police vehicle.

The faction demanded immediate action from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), urging the oversight body to fast-track investigations into the killings and prosecute officers found responsible for the alleged abuses.

Beyond the protests, the ODM faction shifted focus to the country's economic situation, warning that Kenya’s public debt had reached unsustainable levels after reportedly hitting Ksh12.84 trillion by the end of February 2026 according to the latest Treasury figures.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke