Deputy President William Ruto has linked the recent increase in fuel prices to cartels and unscrupulous dealings within the relevant government agencies.
In a tweet on Tuesday morning, the DP claimed that some private companies have been receiving Ksh 12 for every litre of fuel, thus the increased prices announced in the country.
He further noted that there are cartels in the fuel sector that are making crazy profits while Kenyans are struggling to afford fuel, which is key to their daily operations.
According to the DP, in order to solve the rising cost of fuel, the government should ‘crush’ cartels and corrupt public who are manipulating fuel prices.
“Decisions amongst them to 'gift' sh12/litre to private companies causing the punitive fuel costs while cartels rake super profits must be reversed ASAP and all corrupt public officials involved/benefiting prosecuted. Price controls must be removed for competition to lower prices,” the DP tweeted.
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File image of DP William Ruto. [Photo: Courtesy]
DP Ruto’s statement comes at a time when the government has announced that plans in place to review cost of fuel and power in the country.
Addressing the media a week ago, Interior CS Fred Matiang’i urged Kenyans to be calm as measures are in place to ensure furl prices are reduced during the next review set for October 14, 2021.
"Fuel prices are already under assessment and Wananchi will see the results in the next price review as we have addressed key systemic challenges," he said.
During the last review in September 2021, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced an increase in the prices of super petrol by Ksh.7.58 per litre, while diesel and kerosene rose by Ksh.7.94 and Ksh.12.97 per litre respectively.
The announcement elicited massive backlash across the country as Kenyans called for a downward review.
All eyes are now on EPRA as it is set to announce another review in the next 48 hours.
