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7-day ultimatum: Opposition threatens protests over 'fuel scandal'
The opposition has demanded an urgent review of the government-to-government (G-to-G) fuel import deal and sweeping tax relief measures, warning it will mobilise nationwide protests within seven days if President William Ruto’s administration fails to act.
This came even as President Ruto defended the latest fuel price increases, saying the government had taken decisive steps, including reducing Value Added Tax (VAT) on fuel from 13 percent to eight percent, to cushion Kenyans from the impact of soaring global energy costs.
In a joint statement read by Democracy for Citizens Party leader Rigathi Gachagua, the coalition said the controversial G-to-G petroleum supply framework had burdened Kenyans with record pump prices while shielding politically connected oil marketers.
The opposition demanded the cancellation of the G-to-G petroleum framework, suspension of the road maintenance and affordable housing levies, removal of VAT on fuel and a halt to increased deductions to the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), arguing that the taxes had worsened the cost-of-living crisis triggered by the latest fuel price hike.
“We unequivocally demand the cancellation of the Government-to-Government petroleum framework as it involves handpicked Oil Marketing Companies that represent the interests of the President,” Mr Gachagua said in Nairobi.
The opposition also called for the immediate resignation and prosecution of Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui over what it termed a “fuel scandal” that has pushed pump prices to historic highs.
The coalition further urged President Ruto to convene a special sitting of Parliament within seven days to address the fuel crisis and consider tax relief measures aimed at cushioning households.
Among the proposals tabled are the suspension of the road maintenance levy, recently raised from Sh18 to Sh25 per litre, suspension of the affordable housing levy, and a halt to increased NSSF deductions, which they said are placing an excessive financial burden on workers.
The leaders accused the administration of exploiting geopolitical tensions in the Middle East to restructure fuel import arrangements for profit, alleging that the crisis has been used to renegotiate pricing with international oil suppliers.
A worker adjusts fuel prices on a price board at a Petrol Station in Eldoret City, Uasin Gishu County, on April 15, 2026, after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority announced a price increase.
According to the opposition, the latest adjustment—which pushed petrol prices up by Sh28.69 per litre and diesel by Sh40.30 per litre—is the steepest rise in recent history.
Further, the opposition questioned the arrest of three senior energy officials, former Petroleum Principal Secretary Mohamed Liban, former energy regulator chief Daniel Kiptoo, and former Kenya Pipeline Company Managing Director Joe Sang, arguing that they merely implemented existing petroleum import regulations.
“They followed and applied the law strictly. The real culprits in this scandal are those at the top of government,” Mr Gachagua said.
Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) Party Leader Rigathi Gachagua (second right) addressing a press briefing at the SKM Centre on April 15, 2026. With him are (from left) Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Fred Matiangi and Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) Party Leader Eugene Wamalwa.
The coalition warned that if the government fails to respond within the seven-day ultimatum, it will mobilise mass action across the country.
However, President Ruto, in a rejoinder, acknowledged the global surge in fuel costs, noting that the crisis is neither isolated nor unique to Kenya. He maintained that his administration has acted with foresight to cushion citizens from the worst effects.
“We have set aside Sh6.5 billion to subsidise fuel prices. The world is grappling with many challenges. Not long ago, we faced immense pressure and fuel was at the centre of it all. But through God’s grace, we secured the Government-to-Government arrangement that has steadied our country,” said the President.
He spoke on Wednesday during the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Omingo Bridge in Mochengo, South Mugirango, Kisii County.
The Head of State dismissed calls for protests, arguing that demonstrations would not lower fuel prices driven by global forces.
“There are those saying that because fuel prices have increased globally, they will hold protests. I want to ask, if they protest, will the cost of fuel decrease?” he posed.
He urged the opposition to provide practical solutions to the crisis.
“We must use our brains to find ways to reduce the price of fuel… Many countries are now turning to Kenya to understand what we have done differently,” he said.
President Ruto also defended the G-to-G fuel deal, saying it has positioned Kenya as a competitive player in the energy market.
He added that fuel availability, coupled with the Sh6.5 billion subsidy, has helped moderate prices.
“We have also reduced VAT to ensure Kenyans do not shoulder excessive costs. We will continue to monitor the situation closely to safeguard our economy and transport sector,” he said.
His remarks come as retail fuel prices hit unprecedented levels following fresh adjustments by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) for the April 15 to May 14 pricing cycle, with petrol rising by Sh28.69 and diesel by Sh40.30 per litre.
His remarks come at a time when Kenya is grappling with a severe fuel crisis as of April 2026, marked by long queues at filling stations, panic buying and intermittent shortages.
Retail prices have surged to unprecedented levels following fresh adjustments by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced on Tuesday.
Super petrol rose by Sh28.69, while diesel recorded a sharp increase of Sh40.30 per litre in the April 15 to May 14 pricing cycle - one of the steepest hikes in recent memory.
Despite government assurances of adequate supply, many filling stations have reported running dry. Reports suggest that hoarding by some marketers has exacerbated the crisis, with fuel allegedly finding its way onto the black market at inflated prices.
President Ruto has been touring the Gusii region for four days under his “meet the people” initiative, launching and inspecting key development projects.
On Wednesday, he broke ground for the Nyamarambe–Esaka–Nyabigena Road, the Omingo Bridge, and the Mochengo–Ayora–Maroo Road, while also laying the foundation stone for the Nyangweta Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC).
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