Kindiki calls for patience as state moves to cushion Kenyans from rising fuel costs

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has urged Kenyans to remain calm as the government implements measures aimed at mitigating the impact of rising global oil prices.

Speaking on Saturday at his residence in Irunduni during a meeting with residents from Chuka Igambang’ombe, Kindiki attributed the recent surge in fuel costs to external geopolitical tensions, saying the situation was driven by global rather than domestic factors.

“The recent escalation of oil prices is a result of the Israel-Iran conflict. Those calling for oil protests should understand that demonstrations will not bring prices down,” Kindiki said.

He dismissed claims that the increase in fuel prices was linked to local policy failures, stressing that Kenya is largely a price taker in the global oil market.

According to him, the volatility in international crude oil prices has had a direct effect on local pump prices.

Kindiki reassured the public that the government was actively working to prevent the situation from escalating into a broader economic crisis.

“I am confident that the current pressure on oil prices will not destabilise our economy. We ask Kenyans to be patient as we address the issue,” he said.

The Deputy President pointed to ongoing fiscal interventions, noting that the government has already reduced Value Added Tax (VAT) on petroleum products from 13 percent to 8 percent. The adjustment, he said, has helped lower pump prices by up to Sh10 per litre.

He added that additional policy measures are under consideration to further cushion consumers from global shocks and stabilise fuel prices in the coming weeks.

“We will take more steps to ensure oil prices drop further,” Kindiki said, without disclosing specific upcoming interventions.

On the political front, Kindiki called for tolerance among leaders, urging that electoral competition should not translate into hostility after elections. He emphasised the need for unity in governance regardless of political affiliation.

“Competition is not enmity. Once voting is complete, winners will proceed to lead, while others will wait for another opportunity,” he said.

He also dismissed critics of the Kenya Kwanza administration, saying calls for opposition against the government were misplaced and politically motivated.

“We have had many presidents and deputy presidents, but not once have we sustained chants of ‘one term’. Even those who lost did so with our votes in their basket,” he added.