Kenyan Youth Leaders Back President William Ruto Over Fuel Price Relief, Urge Youths to Reject Protests

 By Gedion Nzyoki -

• Youth leaders from Linda Youths and Linda Comrades backed President William Ruto’s fuel price interventions and urged calm instead of protests
• They linked rising fuel costs to global geopolitical tensions while praising government subsidies and VAT reduction measures
• Government officials, including Isaac Mwaura, reaffirmed ongoing fuel stabilisation efforts and called for patience as reforms continue

A section of youth leaders under the Linda Youths and Linda Comrades movements has expressed support for President William Ruto over recent government interventions aimed at easing rising fuel prices,while urging young people not to be drawn into protests by those politicising the issue for selfish gain. 

A section of youth leaders under the Linda Youths and Linda Comrades movement during a press briefing at the University of Nairobi. (Photo: Courtesy)

Speaking during  a press briefing held on Thursday afternoon at the University of Nairobi grounds, Linda Comrades chairman Oketch Solomon called on youths to remain calm, saying the government was managing the situation despite global pressure from geopolitical tensions linked to Iran and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz.

Solomon praised the government’s recent fuel-related interventions, including the reduction of VAT on fuel from 16 percent to 8 percent, describing it as a positive step by both the President and the National Treasury led by Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi. 

He also cited measures announced after the latest price review by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority.

"I want to thank His Excellency, the President, William Ruto, for lowering the prices of oil. As he stated yesterday, after the prices were revised by Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, he lowered the VAT from 16% to 8%. We really appreciate that good gesture from the President that he has shown, and the Ministry of Treasury and the National Treasury. Those are good gestures that we have seen from His Excellency, the President, and C.S. Honorable John Mbadi," Oketch said.

He further urged Members of Parliament to focus on legislative interventions rather than street protests, suggesting that they should introduce bills to help further reduce fuel costs and ease the burden on citizens.

Solomon also warned against what he described as attempts to mobilise young people into demonstrations, insisting that youths should not be used for political purposes. 

"I want to call on Kenyans that at this moment, we know that we will be used. Most of the people will try to coerce us to go to the streets. Most of the people will try to turn Gen Zs in media stations so that Gen Zs will go on the streets. As the Linda Comrades chairman and the head of Comrades and the broad-based ambassador among the youths, I’m calling all the youths, let us keep calm. This situation is under control," he added.

He maintained that the government still had fiscal room to cushion citizens, citing about KSh 12 billion available for additional subsidies alongside KSh 6.2 billion already allocated for fuel price stabilisation.

Natasha Awour, a student leader from the University of Nairobi, addresses members of the press at the University grounds. (Photo: Courtesy)

Backing the same position, University of Nairobi student leader Natasha Awour said fuel prices remain a key economic factor influencing activity across the country. 

She attributed the recent increase largely to global geopolitical tensions involving Iran, which she said had disrupted international oil markets.

"I would like to insinuate that fuel prices are high because of the geopolitical tension in Iran. I would also like to inform general wananchi, who are also people like us, that as much as you notice that fuel prices are high, it is because of the geopolitical tension, and we are also trying to subsidize it,"she said

Natasha also commended government efforts to cushion consumers through subsidies and tax adjustments.

"We would also like to commend the government for enabling us to experience the subsidization of the economy due to the fuel price. Because as you can see, even in other countries, we have high oil prices. In our country, the government is trying to subsidize so that wananchi cannot face the burden as it is in the global market," Natasha added.

Other youth leaders, including Aaron Odhiambo—who identified himself as Deputy Director of the Broad-Based Government in Nyanza, Pascal Juma and Grace Adhiambo of the University of Nairobi, also praised the administration for its response to rising fuel costs.

Youth leader Kira Beach criticised Members of Parliament for focusing on what he termed non-essential issues instead of prioritising fuel subsidy and cost-of-living concerns, urging them to stick to legislative work.

The leaders reiterated their support for President Ruto’s administration, calling for patience as the government continues implementing measures aimed at stabilising fuel prices and protecting citizens from global oil shocks.

Their remarks came hours after Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to stabilising fuel supply despite global disruptions. 

He cited the Government-to-Government (G2G) oil import programme, the KSh 6.2 billion fuel stabilisation fund, a temporary VAT reduction from 16% to 8%, and targeted subsidies as key interventions.

Mwaura cautioned against disruptive mass action, urging patience as reforms continue through May 14, 2026.