President William Ruto has criticized the United Opposition for calling nationwide protests following the recent fuel price increase, urging Kenyans to remain composed.
Addressing the nation on Wednesday, April 15, Ruto expressed doubt about the effectiveness of such demonstrations, advising Kenyans to adopt a more practical approach to the issue.
“Some individuals are asserting that because fuel prices have risen worldwide, they will organize protests. Do you believe protests will decrease fuel prices? We must apply rational thinking to address this situation,” Ruto questioned.
Speaking at a rally in Suneka, Kisii County, the President acknowledged the increase in fuel prices but assured Kenyans that they would be protected from the adverse effects.
The Head of State explained that the price increase was primarily caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has disrupted global oil supply and driven up prices internationally.
“I want to inform Kenyans that despite the war in the Middle East causing high fuel prices globally and in our region, through government-to-government arrangements, we have stabilized supply and moderated prices,” he stated.
Ruto announced that the government has allocated Ksh6.5 billion to stabilize fuel costs and implemented a temporary reduction in Value Added Tax (VAT) on fuel from 16 percent to 13 percent for the next three months.
He emphasized that kerosene prices have been kept unchanged to safeguard low-income Kenyans who depend on it for cooking and lighting purposes.
“We have also reduced VAT from 16 percent to 8 percent for the next three months. We have ensured that paraffin prices remain unchanged to provide relief to Kenyans,” Ruto added.
At the rally, the President reassured Kenyans that his administration is dedicated to preventing further price hikes and will continue seeking measures to stabilize fuel costs.
Ruto’s remarks came after the opposition issued a statement calling on him to address multiple concerns in the energy sector, warning they would initiate nationwide demonstrations if their demands were not met.
Speaking at a press briefing in Nairobi on Wednesday afternoon, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua urged Ruto to direct National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula to summon an urgent special session within the next seven days.
Gachagua additionally demanded the abolition of the National Infrastructure Fund, recently approved by the National Assembly and intended to be funded through the sale of government assets.
He suggested that the revenue from the sale of government assets should instead be used to protect Kenyans from what he described as an unprecedented fuel price increase.
Furthermore, the opposition called for the elimination of the Road Maintenance Levy, which was recently raised from Ksh18 to Ksh25 per liter of fuel, as a means to shield Kenyans from the higher fuel costs.