Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has raised concern over how public reaction and market behavior could worsen fears around fuel supply, even as the government maintains that the country has enough stock and no cause for alarm.
Speaking during an interview on Radio Generation on Thursday, Kaluma warned that both oil companies and consumers could unintentionally create pressure on the supply chain if they react to perceived shortages instead of actual conditions.
“It is natural that in this situation, oil companies will start withholding, seeing how the market is going to be in terms of supply,” he said.
He noted that public response often plays a major role in such situations, pointing out that Kenyans tend to rush when they sense possible disruption in essential goods.
“When Kenyans feel a situation change, they start flocking,” Kaluma said, comparing the reaction to traffic patterns in Nairobi. “If there’s any sign that it might rain, your traffic starts. Everybody goes to the road.”
The MP urged citizens to remain calm and avoid panic buying, warning that such actions could create artificial shortages even when supply is stable.
At the same time, he called for more timely and clear communication from those in charge, arguing that early messaging can help prevent anxiety and confusion among the public.
“It is good the Minister has spoken, but he should have been anticipatory; he should have said, ‘Guys, this is likely to hit us, but we are telling you in advance, we have enough oil,’” he said.
Kaluma criticized what he described as delayed responses from leadership, saying officials should take charge of the conversation rather than reacting after concerns have already spread.
“You are speaking, you are not leading the conversation. And his position as minister, he should lead the conversation, not follow.”
Despite these concerns, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has assured the country that fuel supply remains stable. He has maintained that Kenya has enough reserves and there is no shortage, urging the public not to rush to fuel stations.
According to Kaluma, Wandayi has consistently reassured Kenyans that the situation is under control.
“Tuko sawa, we are fine,” Kaluma said, referencing the CS’s message, adding that Kenyans should rely on official communication rather than speculation.
Wandayi has also appealed to citizens to avoid panic buying, noting that the supply system is functioning well and can meet demand.
Kaluma acknowledged that global developments could still affect the situation, especially tensions involving Iran, but maintained that Kenya is well prepared to handle any impact.
“There is, of course, the challenge, due to the Iran situation, and there will be some impact,” he said, while reiterating that existing reserves are sufficient.
The concerns come against the backdrop of ongoing tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which have disrupted key energy routes in the Middle East.
A major point of concern is the Strait of Hormuz, a key route through which about 20 percent of the world’s oil supply passes. Since the conflict escalated in late February 2026, attacks on energy facilities and threats to shipping have tightened global supply, pushing oil prices above 100 dollars per barrel and causing shortages in some regions.
Analysts warn that the situation could grow into a major global energy crisis, with effects likely to be felt across economies through higher prices and trade disruptions.
Kaluma also called for action from regulators to address any unfair practices by suppliers that could interfere with steady fuel distribution.
“Something should be done about it. I hope the authorities will intervene appropriately,” the MP said.
Beyond the fuel concerns, the legislator pointed to what he described as a wider issue in government communication, saying many development projects are not well explained to the public.
“The biggest failing is timely and clear communication,” he said.
He cited ongoing work across the country, including roads, bridges, and housing, noting that many citizens remain unaware of these efforts due to poor information flow.
“If you see the developments the government is undertaking on the ground, people are saying this is the Kenya we wanted,” he said.
Kaluma concluded by urging Kenyans to trust official assurances and remain calm, stressing that maintaining confidence during such periods depends both on adequate supply and proper communication.
“I think, as Kenyans, we go with the assurances of the state, that we have enough oil, there should be no crisis,” he said.