Middle East Conflict Keeping Fuel Prices High, Kindiki Warns Protesters Against Looting
NAIROBI, KENYA — Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has reiterated that Kenya’s soaring pump prices are driven by external forces, warning that relief will not come until geopolitical tensions in the Middle East subside.
Speaking during a consultative forum, Kindiki explained that the ongoing war involving the US, Israel, and Iran has severely disrupted global supply chains, leading to a sharp escalation in crude costs, freight, insurance, and logistics.
Defending the administration against accusations of economic mismanagement, the Deputy President emphasized that the Kenya Kwanza government remains deeply committed to cushioning citizens from the global spike.
“If the government had not intervened, the price of fuel per litre would have shot to between 300 and 400 shillings,” Kindiki stated.
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To mitigate the crisis, the state has reduced Value Added Tax (VAT) and already injected 12 billion shillings into a fuel stabilization subsidy over the last two months.
Kindiki promised that additional subsidies would be applied to future oil stocks until market conditions level out. As an immediate sign of good faith and continuous engagement with stakeholders, the price of diesel has been reduced by 10 shillings per litre effective today.
However, the Deputy President clarified that the remaining fuel taxes are non-negotiable, as they are vital for funding road infrastructure, education, and social services.
Kindiki also strongly condemned the violent protests rocking parts of the country, calling out criminal elements who are using the economic situation as a pretext for arson, armed robberies, and looting private shops.
“Demonstrations, violent protests, and anarchy cannot resolve the fuel cost challenge,” Kindiki warned, declaring that anyone sympathizing with terror on citizens holds no privilege to lead at any level in Kenya.
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