COTU says 10-day strike still on

Kenya's umbrella workers body on Sunday insisted that its proposed 10-day general workers strike was still on despite stiff opposition from key players in the private sector.

The Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) said the strike will start Monday to protest the high cost of living and fuel prices.

The body is demanding 30 per cent reduction of prices of all petroleum products which it says will automatically translate into reduced cost of basic commodities and services.

COTU Secretary General Francis Atwoli said public transport across the country will be paralysed from Monday morning.

"The strike is not a punishment to Kenyans. We want the cost of transport to be cheap," said Atwoli at a press conference paid for in live television transmission.

Mr Atwoli's proposed paralysis of public transport however faces revolt from the Matatu Owners Association (MOA) who say they will dispatch their vehicles for normal operations.

MOA Chairman Simon Kimutai held a parallel press conference on Sunday to denounce the proposed general strike.

The Matatu Welfare Association (MWA) Chairman Dickson Mbugua however supports the general strike and affirmed that matatu drivers and conductors will refrain from work on Monday.

"This is not just a strike for the matatu sector. It is a strike even for private motorists, there is no exception as long as you are using a petrol engine. Our only problem is to have fuel prices reduced to make life affordable," said Mbugua.

He added: "We are urging our colleagues (MOA) to join the strike and stop this turf wars they are fighting.'

The Transport Licensing Board (TLB), Consumers Federatuion of Kenya (Cofek) and the Federation of Kenya Employers (FKE) have dismissed the strike arguing that it is uncalled for.