- Kennedy Kaunda was notably absent from President Ruto’s meeting with transport operators in Mombasa
- Kaunda had gone viral after boldly challenging CS Wandayi, insisting that no agreement had been reached on May 21 over fuel prices
- Questions and speculation arose online after he missed the meeting, following claims that they had been bribed to change their stance
Kennedy Kaunda, the man behind the now-viral phrase “with all due respect,” was notably absent during President William Ruto’s meeting with transport operators in Mombasa.
Source: Facebook
The absence of Kaunda, the CEO of the East Africa Tour Guides and Drivers Association at the meeting raised eyebrows on social media after he went viral for boldly challenging Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi during a live press briefing on Monday, May 18, evening.
Why did Kaunda challenge CS Wandayi?
Kaunda spoke on behalf of stakeholders, noting that they had not reached an agreement with the government over the reduction of fuel prices, insisting that the planned strike was still on.
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His fearless stance in defending the interests of matatu workers and challenging the CS’s remarks earned him praise from the public.
However, a day later, the transport sector suspended the strike to allow further talks with the government, shifting public opinion following a high-profile meeting.
Did Kennedy Kaunda receive a bribe from government?
A section of Kenyans accused matatu leaders of abandoning their initial position, alleging that they had been bribed.
Kaunda, who was among those who attended the meeting, was also accused of betraying the cause.
He, however, denied receiving any bribe to soften his stance on the fuel reduction matter during an interview on Citizen TV.
“I arrived late for the second meeting. They actually called me to take a motorbike from where I was. By the time I arrived, they were making the final remarks. I missed it,” he explained.
Was Kennedy Kaunda present in Ruto’s meeting with matatu owners?
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Kenyan newspapers, May 22: William Ruto to meet transport sector officials days after strike
Following the uproar over high fuel prices, the President met transport unions on the evening of May 21 to find a way forward and call off the matatu strike.
The unions announced the suspension of the nationwide strike, praising the government’s commitment to addressing their grievances.
Kaunda was nowhere to be seen in the videos and photos shared online, sparking mixed reactions on social media.
Netizens react after Kaunda misses Ruto meeting in Mombasa
Geoffrey Siongok Junior:
“Alishapata yake.”
Moses Wambua:
“He can run, but he cannot hide from the truth.”
Duncan Gitonga:
“Lack of fare please.”
Source: NGBREAKINGNEWS
