Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has strongly criticised the latest fuel price increase, linking the sharp rise in pump prices to what he terms governance failures and alleged manipulation within Kenya’s petroleum import system.
In a statement responding to the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) review that saw diesel and petrol prices rise sharply, Kalonzo said the situation goes beyond global market pressures and points to what he described as a “calculated scheme” benefiting politically connected interests.
“I have followed every detail of this fuel scandal,” Kalonzo said, “and it is painful to see how a national crisis was turned into a business opportunity for those in power while millions of Kenyans continue to suffer.”
The former Vice President alleged that emergency fuel procurement processes introduced during global supply disruptions were later altered.
He claimed that contracts initially awarded to compliant low-cost suppliers were overturned in favour of a company linked to President William Ruto, claims that have not been independently verified.
Kalonzo said the restructuring of supply arrangements has concentrated fuel importation in the hands of a few players, allowing widened margins that he argues are being passed on to consumers.
He further alleged that the arrangement has led to excess profit margins per litre, claims he estimates amount to billions of shillings per import cycle.
These allegations have not been backed by official records.
He argued that ordinary Kenyans are now bearing the burden through steep fuel prices, with diesel and petrol increases adding pressure on transport costs, food prices, and household budgets.
The latest EPRA review confirmed significant increases across all major fuel products, with diesel recording the highest jump.
Kalonzo warned that the price changes are already being felt across the economy, especially in urban centres where transport costs directly affect the price of basic commodities.
He further called for urgent government action, urging Parliament to be convened within seven days to address the fuel crisis and review the petroleum import framework.
He also demanded the cancellation of the Government-to-Government fuel procurement model, arguing that it has opened space for private interests to benefit unfairly at the expense of the public.
In addition, Kalonzo called for accountability measures targeting the Energy Cabinet Secretary and other officials he accused of involvement, including possible resignation and prosecution.
He also proposed suspension of the Road Maintenance Levy, the Affordable Housing Levy, and selected NSSF deductions, alongside removal of VAT on fuel to ease pressure on consumers.
The government has previously defended the Government-to-Government fuel import arrangement, saying it was introduced to stabilise supply and reduce exposure to volatile global oil prices.
The latest fuel price increase has intensified political debate, with opposition leaders accusing the administration of failing to protect citizens from rising living costs, while government officials maintain that global market conditions remain the main driver of fuel pricing.