From Embu to Malindi, from Kisumu to Garissa, the psychosis of running out of fuel possessed Kenyans like spirits who poured onto the roads and crowded, all day yesterday and everywhere, the gas stations waiting for the (few) tankers that arrived to provide gasoline, diesel or kerosene.
Kilometers of people loaded with jerrycans, even plastic bottles especially to fill the tanks of motorcycles.
Fortunately, few accidents were recorded, but there was a lot of discomfort for the streets blocked for hours and the overcrowding of parked vehicles and pedestrians.
In Malindi, the central artery of Lamu Road was flooded all day long, first because of the supply of fuel by an articulated truck at the Total refueling station, next to the 7to7 supermarket, and then because of the endless queue of people trying to fill their tanks. Rationing that could not satisfy everyone, hence some discontent that resulted in some skirmishes in the town of Embu, and Kisumu, the third largest city in Kenya on the shores of Lake Victoria. A story, that of the non-payment of the Kenyan government to oil companies, which is making Kenyans reflect on how the fuel now depends almost entirely on the lives of all. If the shortage were to continue, all products that are distributed by road, imported products and all services related to the use of diesel fuel would begin to suffer, including water (for purifiers) and light (for plants). In addition to the generators that cover gaps and in areas where electricity does not arrive are essential.
It is not yet known when the situation will return to normal and if there will be precise indications for rationing. President Kenyatta is working to re-establish a sufficient level of supply and at the same time not have to increase prices.