Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has responded to planned protests by a section of Kenyans over the recent increase in fuel prices.
Some Kenyans have threatened to take to the streets on Tuesday, April 21, accusing the government of raising the cost of petroleum products.
However, speaking in Tharaka Nithi on Saturday, April 18, Kindiki stated that the rise in fuel prices is driven by global factors beyond Kenya’s control.
Kithure Kindiki warns Kenyans planning protests over rising fuel prices. Photo: Courtesy.
He attributed the increase to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly the conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, which he said has disrupted global oil supply chains.
“I want to say this with avoidance of doubt; the recent escalation of fuel prices is not a creation of the government of Kenya. It is a creation of the war between the US and Israel on one hand, and Iran on the other. There are people moving around spreading lies about this issue,” Kindiki said.
The Deputy President also dismissed claims linking the price hike to government policy, saying misinformation was being circulated on the matter.
Kindiki drew parallels with the opposition-led protests in 2023 over the high cost of living, arguing that such demonstrations did not directly lead to a reduction in commodity prices.
He cited the case of maize flour, noting that prices only came down after government intervention through policy measures aimed at stabilising and regulating essential goods.
Kindiki maintained that protests alone do not resolve economic challenges, stating that price changes are ultimately influenced by government policies rather than street demonstrations.
He further argued that similar conditions apply to fuel prices, insisting that regulatory interventions, rather than protests, are what determine long-term price stability.
