DP Kindiki blames global tensions for fuel hike, warns against protests

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has pushed back against growing political pressure over rising fuel prices, warning that the issue is being misrepresented for political mileage despite being driven by global events beyond Kenya’s control.

Addressing residents during a tour of Rabai constituency in Kilifi County on Thursday, Kindiki said the spike in fuel costs is tied to disruptions in the international oil market following tensions involving Iran, which have affected supply routes and increased importation costs for many countries.

“Do not politicise international issues,” Kindiki said.

He said the situation has forced several nations to adopt longer and more expensive shipping routes, making fuel more costly across the globe, and cautioned leaders against using the crisis to incite the public.

“Do not politicise fuel prices. The rise in fuel prices has not been occasioned by the Government of Kenya. This has been caused by the war between the USA and Iran that has escalated to the countries in the Persian Gulf,” he said.

Kindiki’s remarks come as the United Opposition, led by former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua, threatens to mobilise protests across the country over the rising cost of fuel.

He dismissed the planned demonstrations, arguing that protests would not address the root of the problem and could instead lead to instability.

“We have taken the required measures to respond to the emerging situation. There is no solution in demonstration. We can only find solutions in short-term and long-term policy interventions. Already the President has directed the reduction of VAT on fuel from 16 per cent to 8 percent and he will announce more measures,” he explained.

Kindiki pointed to steps already taken by President William Ruto, including the directive to cut VAT on petroleum products, which he said is expected to lower pump prices by between Sh8 and Sh10.

“Many countries are struggling to manage the situation. Yesterday, President Ruto announced that prices will be lowered by between Sh8 and Sh10.

“This is because he has ordered the reduction of VAT on oil from 16 percent to 8 percent to make sure that we manage and contain the prices of fuel to cushion Kenyans,” Kindiki said.

He also took aim at opposition leaders, accusing them of focusing on political slogans instead of engaging with development needs on the ground.

“Those people roaming around do not know where Misufini is. Do they know where Tezo is? Gandani? Kisurutini? How can they benefit you if they don’t know these places?” he posed.

The Deputy President said the government remains focused on delivering projects that directly impact citizens, urging leaders to shift from confrontational politics to tangible results.

“Our politics is development politics. You cannot compete with those who work for the people. Those who compete with us do not bring roads, water, or electricity. They do not do harambees for churches and schools.

“Stop politics of insults. Let's compete on development,” Kindiki said.

During the visit, Kindiki launched and inspected several projects, including the construction of student hostels at Rabai TTI, a tuition block at Chonyi Comprehensive School, and works at the Rabai Huduma Centre. He also assessed progress on the Misufini A Last Mile Electricity Supply Project and held a public engagement at Uwanja wa Faya.

He said Kilifi County is set to benefit from 385 kilometres of road construction valued at Sh25 billion, alongside 17 modern markets, affordable housing, hostels, and institutional facilities costing Sh22 billion.

In addition, the government has set aside Sh2.1 billion to connect 23,589 homes to electricity in the county.

Kindiki said the administration is determined to ensure no region is left behind, stressing that development remains the government’s top priority.

“Our competitors must find a better agenda, not insults, they have become experts in. We must compete on what we are doing to improve the lives of the people, not insults that are not helping anyone,” he said.