NAIROBI, Kenya — Leaders of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have launched a scathing attack on President William Ruto’s administration following the latest fuel price hike, which has sent shockwaves across the country.
According to the latest review by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), fuel prices have surged to historic levels.
In Nairobi, Super Petrol will now retail at Sh214.25 per litre, while Diesel has climbed to a staggering Sh242.92.
The sharp increase, particularly in diesel which powers the transport and agricultural sectors, is expected to trigger a rise in the cost of basic commodities.
“Not Times for Laughter”
Leading the onslaught, Dagoretti North Member of Parliament Hon. Beatrice Elachi condemned the Kenya Kwanza government for what she termed as “oppressing the ordinary mwananchi.”
Speaking to the press, Elachi expressed deep concern over the ripple effect these prices will have on families already struggling with the high cost of living.
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“Today it is petrol and diesel; tomorrow it will be food prices, transport fares, electricity, and school costs,” Elachi warned. “Life is already hard, but when fuel prices keep increasing month after month, the burden becomes even heavier. The common Kenyan is hurting.”
Invoking her roots, Elachi added a somber Luhya proverb to describe the national mood: “Bulano shibili ebisee biokhusekha tawe,” meaning “These are not times for laughter.”
A Call for Urgent Intervention
While acknowledging global economic pressures, including the ongoing Strait of Hormuz crisis and international market fluctuations, the lawmaker insisted that the government must find ways to cushion citizens.
“I respectfully appeal to President William Samoei Ruto and the entire government: kindly listen to the cry of Kenyans. There must be better ways to subsidize fuel and protect wananchi from carrying the full weight of every adjustment,” she stated.
The ODM faction, including Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, has echoed these sentiments, suggesting that the current tax regime on petroleum products remains too punitive for a struggling economy.
As the new prices take effect, many Kenyans are bracing for a tough month ahead, with the opposition promising to keep the government in check over its economic policies.
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