- Ekuru Aukot supported the nationally organized protest against the rise in fuel prices, urging Kenyans to turn out in large numbers
- Calls for public action increased after recent price hikes by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority fueled public anger.
- The opposition issued an ultimatum to President William Ruto, demanding reforms, including scrapping fuel taxes and G-to-G agreements.
The leader of the Third Way Alliance, Ekuru Aukot, has expressed his support protest organized nationally on the rise in fuel prices, calling on Kenyans to turn out in large numbers on Tuesday, April 21.
Source: Twitter
Aukot’s remarks add to the growing public anger following the recent fuel price revisions announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).
Why is Ekuru Aukot supporting the protest?
In a message shared on his X account on Friday, April 17, Aukot used a catchy tone to encourage Kenyans upset by the high cost of living, directly linking their struggle to the rise in fuel prices.
The lawyer shared posters that have gone viral online, repeating images and messages seen during previous youth-led protests.
They are urging Kenyans to take to the streets under slogans such as “Total Shutdown” and “Repair the Nation,” with hashtags like #RejectFuelPrices gaining traction.
Aukot sarcastically said that if Kenyans cannot get fuel at a better price, then they will voluntarily take to the streets and ‘use’ tear gas.
“My fellow Kenyans, how are you? If we are not going to drink fuel at a cheap price, let us drink tear gas for free on Tuesday 21, April 2026. Or what?” Aukot wrote indicating his support for the protest.
The former presidential candidate’s comments add to the growing public anger following the recent adjustment in oil prices.
What was the last statement the opposition gave to Ruto?
Aukot’s announcement comes just a few days after the United Opposition gave an ultimatum to the President William Rutoif you urge him to deal with the situation.
In a statement read by the leader of the Democratic Party for the People Rigathi Gachaguathe opposition leader gave a seven-day ultimatum to the Ruto administration or they will face national protests.
They called for the abolition of the government-to-government (G-to-G) fuel import system, which they say has contributed to high pump prices while benefiting a select group of fuel sellers.
Source: Facebook
The leaders also wanted the removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) on fuel, the suspension of road maintenance tax and the suspension of other statutory deductions such as the tax on affordable housing and the increase in contributions to the National Social Security Fund (NSSF).
According to the union, these measures have exacerbated the cost of living crisis, leaving many households struggling.
Meanwhile, the opposition has pressed for accountability within the energy sector, calling for the resignation and impeachment of senior officials in the oil scandal that has rocked the country.
Why did the UDA defend the increase in fuel prices?
Elsewhere, the United Democratic Alliance rejected criticism from the opposition over recent fuel price hikes, dismissing calls for mass protests as misinformation.
Addressing the media, the secretary general of UDA Hassan Omar defended the increase, saying it was driven by international factors, including tensions in the Middle East, rather than a failure of domestic policies.
He accused the opposition of spreading misinformation and ignoring their pressure for mass action.
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