PUBLIC transport operators in Kenya suspended a nationwide strike today for one week to allow consultations with the government, marking an end to two days of protests that left four people dead and more than 30 others injured.

Talks collapsed on Monday as transport operators demanded that fuel prices be reduced to cushion them and commuters from increased transport costs.

Commuters were stranded for the second consecutive day on Tuesday as public transport operators kept their vehicles off the roads.

Protesters took to the streets, engaging police in running battles and setting tyres on fire to block major highways.

Kenya’s fuel prices hit a record high on Friday, with the diesel price increasing by 23.5 per cent and petrol by 8 per cent. The government attributed the latest price increase to the Iran war and its effects on energy supplies.

But the opposition blamed the rise on corrupt business people who want to increase profits.

Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen, in a televised press briefing, said negotiations with all fuel stakeholders would take place within seven days to address the pricing issue.

A representative from the transporters’ association, Kennedy Kaunda, said the members would allow the consultations to continue.

Four people were killed on Monday, more than 30 others injured and 348 people were also arrested.