“What Has Ruto Done?” UDA Warns Opposition to Stop Politicizing Kenya’s Fuel Crisis

The ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has pushed back against political opponents it accuses of exploiting Kenya’s ongoing fuel crisis and transport disruptions to whip up public anger against President William Ruto’s administration.

UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar addressed journalists on Tuesday, countering what he described as deliberate anti-government narratives. He argued that rival political actors are capitalizing on rising fuel costs and transport chaos for political mileage rather than contributing to meaningful solutions.

Global Oil Markets, Not Ruto, Driving Price Hikes

Omar pointed to escalating conflicts in the Middle East as the root cause of the current crisis, explaining that these developments have fractured global oil supply chains, pushed up crude prices, and driven up freight, insurance, and import costs for countries like Kenya.

“The price of oil is not in the hands of the Kenyan government; we too are affected like everyone else,” Omar said.

He also rubbished comparisons between Kenya’s fuel prices and those in neighboring countries, calling such arguments misleading. He explained that distinct tax structures, unique supply chains, and varying market conditions make direct price comparisons between countries inaccurate and unfair.

Government Subsidies Shielding Kenyan Consumers

Omar further defended both the government-to-government (G-to-G) fuel import deal and the state’s fuel subsidy program, arguing that these twin interventions have protected consumers from far steeper price increases.

He revealed that the government has already injected billions of shillings into the fuel stabilization mechanism, with additional funds committed for the current financial year. Without these safety nets, he warned, pump prices would have climbed to completely unmanageable levels.

“The G-to-G arrangement has continued to serve Kenya well, providing a cushion of Sh19.51 per litre of super petrol, Sh20.72 per litre of diesel, and Sh18 per litre of Jet A1 fuel compared to spot market prices,” he said.

Ruto Orders Emergency Talks With Industry Stakeholders

Omar confirmed that President Ruto has directed senior officials from the National Treasury, the Ministry of Energy, and the Ministry of Transport to convene urgent talks with industry stakeholders. The directive targets a permanent solution to Kenya’s fuel pricing challenges.

The UDA at the same time warned against violence, vandalism, and looting during public demonstrations. Omar made clear that anyone committing criminal acts will face the full force of the law.

“We call upon the citizens to approach this matter with patriotism, sobriety and national unity. While every Kenyan retains the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and demonstration, criminal acts shall not be tolerated and will be dealt with firmly,” he said.

“We have gotten to that point in our lives where we must say enough is enough. Mnaharibu nchi throughout. What has Ruto done to you that is so bad? If you sincerely feel he is incapable of leadership, why don’t you wait for 2027 and exercise your constitutional right?” he posed.

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