With all due respect, I was not paid: Kennedy Kaunda responds after backlash
By Paulette Mboga, May 20, 2026Kennedy Kaunda, the CEO of the East Africa Tour Guides and Drivers Association (EATGDA), has refuted claims that he was paid or influenced following his involvement in the suspension of the nationwide transport strike linked to the ongoing fuel price crisis.
The CEO, whose ‘with all due respect’ interjection during CS Opiyo Wandayi’s presser went viral, made the remarks during a recent interview at a local TV station on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, where he addressed growing public debate over his role in the negotiations and press briefings.
Kaunda first gained national attention during a tense press conference that followed high-level talks between transport stakeholders and government officials. The meeting focused on the fuel price crisis and the ongoing strike that had disrupted transport services across the country. His firm remarks during the briefing drew wide attention and shifted the tone of the discussion.
“With all due respect, we respect everyone here; we did not come to set anybody up. We are law-abiding citizens. So there’s no deal. The strike is still on,” Kennedy Kaunda said during the press conference.
The statement was delivered at a moment when discussions were still ongoing, and it immediately changed the mood in the room. Senior officials present remained silent as Kaunda addressed the nation.
Strike suspension developments
A day after the press briefing, Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen announced that the strike had been suspended to allow space for further negotiations. Kennedy Kaunda later explained the association’s position following that decision and clarified their intention to continue talks if no agreement is reached.
“Since we have suspended the strike and given room for negotiation, and if we are not able to agree, we will come back for the same,” Kennedy Kaunda explained.
After his appearance during the suspension announcement, questions emerged online about whether he had been compromised or financially influenced. Kaunda directly dismissed these claims and insisted that his actions were guided by the needs of the transport sector, not personal gain.
“I was not paid. I was not paid, and I will still stand, with all due respect,” Kennedy Kaunda said.
He further explained that the transport industry is currently under pressure due to rising fuel costs and described the situation as a crisis affecting livelihoods across the sector. He stressed that the negotiations were driven by the need to find practical solutions.
“We are living in very unfortunate times. We are managing a crisis in a crisis. Where we want a working nation, not a walking nation,” Kennedy Kaunda said.
Kaunda also noted that the association entered discussions hoping to secure clear outcomes for transport operators. He said the outcome was not a final solution but a promise, adding that they remain hopeful for progress in future talks.