Speaking during a rally in Suneka, Kisii County on Wednesday, April 15, the Head of State questioned whether demonstrations would have any meaningful impact on global fuel costs.
He challenged opposition leaders pushing for mass action, arguing that such protests would not provide practical solutions to the crisis.
“Some people are saying they will hold protests because fuel prices have gone up. Will protests bring prices down? We must approach this matter realistically,” Ruto said.
The President attributed the recent surge in fuel prices to external factors, particularly ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which he said has disrupted global oil supply chains.
According to Ruto, these disruptions have pushed up fuel costs not only in Kenya but across the region.
Despite the global challenges, Ruto maintained that his administration has taken deliberate steps to cushion Kenyans.
Despite the global challenges, Ruto maintained that his administration has taken deliberate steps to cushion Kenyans.
He revealed that the government has set aside KSh 6.5 billion to stabilise fuel prices and ensure consistent supply through the government-to-government fuel import arrangement.
In addition, the government has introduced temporary tax relief measures aimed at lowering the cost of fuel.
In addition, the government has introduced temporary tax relief measures aimed at lowering the cost of fuel.
Ruto announced that Value Added Tax (VAT) on petroleum products has been reduced significantly for a period of three months.
The VAT rate, which initially stood at 16%, has been cut to 13% and later to 8% as part of ongoing interventions.
The President also assured low-income households that kerosene prices would remain unchanged to protect those who rely on it for daily use, especially for cooking and lighting.
Ruto’s remarks come amid mounting pressure from opposition leaders led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The President also assured low-income households that kerosene prices would remain unchanged to protect those who rely on it for daily use, especially for cooking and lighting.
Ruto’s remarks come amid mounting pressure from opposition leaders led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The opposition had issued a seven-day ultimatum to the government, demanding urgent action to address the rising cost of fuel or face nationwide protests.
Among their demands, the opposition called for the scrapping of the Road Maintenance Levy, which was recently increased, and the abolition of the National Infrastructure Fund.
Among their demands, the opposition called for the scrapping of the Road Maintenance Levy, which was recently increased, and the abolition of the National Infrastructure Fund.
They proposed that funds generated from government asset sales be redirected to cushion Kenyans against high fuel prices.
