Edwin Sifuna has lashed out at President William Ruto’s government over the latest fuel price increase, saying the government has been slow to act to ease the burden on suffering Kenyans.
Sifuna said in a statement posted on X:
What sort of logic is this really? Fuel pricing is a predictable monthly event! Every single month we know the price will be reviewed! Shouldn’t you “protect Kenyans” when conducting the review in the first instance? We are seeing a pattern here where Kasongo throws us pain first…
The Nairobi Senator was reacting to Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, who said the government will hold further discussions after President Ruto returns from Azerbaijan to find ways of cushioning Kenyans from the rising fuel prices.
Sifuna said fuel reviews are done every month, and the government should come up with solutions before announcing new prices.
“Fuel pricing is a predictable monthly event. Why wait until prices go up before trying to protect Kenyans?” Sifuna asked.
He accused the government of creating economic hardship in the first place and then coming up with delayed relief measures after public pressure increased.
His comments come as Kenyans are still struggling with high fuel prices that have pushed up transport fares, food prices, and the overall cost of living across the country.
The last fuel hike also triggered a nationwide transport strike by matatu operators, boda boda riders, truck drivers, and taxi operators. The strike disrupted transport services in Nairobi and several towns, stranding thousands of commuters.
READ ALSO: John Mbadi has blasted the ongoing nationwide matatu strike
Economic experts say global oil prices, international conflicts involving Iran, a weakening Kenyan shilling, and fuel taxes continue to drive fuel prices higher in Kenya.
At the same time, opposition leaders and civil society groups still demand that the government lower fuel taxes and adopt long-term policies to reduce the cost of living.
The Kenya Kwanza administration has defended its handling of the crisis, saying global market pressures continue to affect fuel prices the world over. Fuel subsidy programmes and tax interventions have also prevented prices from rising higher, government officials say.
Sifuna’s criticism comes as political pressure builds on the government amid growing frustration over the economy ahead of the 2027 General Election.
