Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has cautioned against planned protests over rising fuel prices, moving to distance the government from responsibility for the hike. Speaking on Saturday at his residence in Irunduni, Kindiki argued that street demonstrations cannot lower pump prices, whereas strategic policy interventions can.
He maintained that the solution lies in government action rather than public unrest.
“The solution to this crisis is not staging protests. Even if you hold protests and go home in the evening, the price will remain the same,” he noted, drawing a parallel to the 2023 protests over maize flour costs. He insisted that the eventual drop in unga prices resulted from state interventions rather than demonstrations. “The solution is in policy interventions by the government of Kenya to make the prices stable and reasonable for the people of Kenya.”
Addressing 2,500 residents from Chuka Igambang’ombe, the DP Kindiki attributed the recent surge in fuel costs to external factors. He linked the volatility to geopolitical tensions, specifically the conflict between Israel and Iran and the disruption of the Strait of Hormuz, rather than domestic policy shortcomings.
The Deputy President dismissed assertions that local policy failures have driven the current situation, arguing that international instability dictates the market.
“The recent escalation of oil prices is a result of the US/Israel-Iran conflict. Those calling for oil protests should understand that demonstrations will not bring prices down,” he said.
Kindiki offered reassurances that the government is taking proactive measures to shield the national economy from a wider crisis. He expressed confidence that the current global pressures would not destabilize the country’s financial foundation.
“I am confident that the current pressure on oil prices will not destabilise our economy. We ask Kenyans to be patient as we address the issue,” the deputy president remarked.
To illustrate the government’s commitment to providing relief, he highlighted recent legislative changes aimed at easing the financial burden on citizens. Specifically, he noted that the government reduced VAT on fuel from 16% to 8%, a policy shift that directly lowered pump prices by Sh10 per liter.
Kindiki’s defense comes as the United Opposition intensifies its pressure on the government to address the escalating cost of living. Just days ago, Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua challenged President William Ruto with a seven-day ultimatum, demanding a reduction in fuel prices or face the prospect of mass action.
During a rally in Dagoretti, Nairobi, the former Deputy President accused the administration of betraying its foundational promises to the electorate.
“He said that he would put money in people’s pockets; instead, he took the little that was there. He increased the price of petrol. We are giving you seven days to remove that 30 shillings on fuel; if you don’t, we will shut down this country,” Gachagua asserted.
