By Andrew Kariuki

A thick cloud of smoke engulfed sections of the Myers area in Kawangware on Monday after residents, traders and transport operators joined the ongoing strike linked to rising fuel prices and the increasing cost of living.

Witnesses said protesters lit bonfires and burning tyres along parts of the road as demonstrations intensified in the area, disrupting movement and business activities for several hours.

Videos and images from the scene showed heavy smoke covering parts of Myers as groups of residents gathered along the roads chanting and protesting against the latest fuel price hikes announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).

Some businesses temporarily shut down while motorists and pedestrians struggled to move through affected sections due to blocked roads and reduced visibility caused by the smoke.

The protests come amid growing nationwide frustration following sharp increases in Super Petrol and Diesel prices, which have triggered transport disruptions, matatu strikes and demonstrations in several parts of the country.

The latest demonstrations add to the growing pressure facing the government as anger continues to build over fuel prices, transport costs and the overall rising cost of living affecting many Kenyan households.