Leaders affiliated to the United Alternative Government, led by DCP Party leader Rigathi Gachagua, have accused the government of presiding over what they term a major fuel scandal, alleging irregularities in petroleum procurement, pricing, and international oil deals that have contributed to the sharp rise in fuel prices across the country.
In a press statement read by DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua on Wednesday, the leaders claimed Kenya’s energy value chain had been turned into “a criminal enterprise,” linking recent fuel price increases to alleged manipulation of government-to-government oil arrangements and emergency procurement processes.
They alleged that key decisions were influenced by private interests and questioned the legality of emergency fuel supply contracts awarded under the petroleum import framework.
The leaders also cited alleged involvement of international oil companies and local intermediaries in the supply chain, claiming that procurement decisions were distorted to benefit unnamed interests.
“The team leader of this oil scandal is William Ruto and petroleum and a local company, which is a nominee of the international oil companies,” the statement read, further alleging that emergency supply processes were altered after bids had already been awarded.
They further claimed that fuel pricing negotiations were influenced externally, stating that “these prices were negotiated in Dubai,” and accused senior officials of restructuring the system in a way that would generate private profit from fuel imports.
The group alleged that Kenyans were now bearing the cost through increased pump prices and higher taxes.
Following the latest adjustment, which saw petrol rise by Sh28.69 and diesel by Sh40.30 per litre, the leaders said the increases represented what they termed a historic burden on households and businesses.
They claimed that “Kenyans now have to pay for the greed and business of William Ruto, not only on the pump, but across all sectors of the economy.”
The leaders called for sweeping policy reversals, including cancellation of the government-to-government fuel framework, suspension of fuel-related levies, VAT on petroleum products, and resignation of Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and his Trade counterpart Lee Kinyanjui.
They further demanded an immediate special sitting of Parliament within seven days, warning that failure to act would trigger nationwide mass action.
“If there is no action taken… we shall announce further measures to the people of Kenya to force William Ruto and the National Assembly to act in the best interest of the people of Kenya,” they said.
The backlash follows the latest Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) fuel price review, which led to a steep increase in pump prices, raising diesel by Sh40.30 per litre and super petrol by Sh28.69 per litre.
In Nairobi, EPRA said Super Petrol, Diesel, and Kerosene will now retail at Sh206.97, Sh206.84, and Sh152.78 respectively for the next 30 days.
The regulator attributed the adjustments to global market pressures, tax structures, and policy changes in the petroleum sector, adding that “effectively, the Value Added Tax rate on Super Petrol, Diesel, and Kerosene has been reduced from 16% to 13% in order to cushion consumers from the high landed cost of petroleum products as a result of the escalated prices in the international market.”
It further noted that the government will draw from the Petroleum Development Levy to help stabilise pump prices.