“Enough Is Enough”: UDA Defends President Ruto Amid Fuel Crisis, Condemns Killing of Rachel Wandetto

By Gedion Nzyoki - 

• The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has defended President William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza administration, attributing rising fuel prices to global geopolitical tensions and disruptions in international oil supply chains.
• The party highlighted government interventions such as the Government-to-Government (G2G) fuel import arrangement, tax adjustments, and fuel stabilisation measures, arguing that these have helped cushion consumers from even higher pump prices.
• UDA also condemned rising political tensions and violence, including a recent high-profile killing, while urging respect for democratic processes and warning against unrest and incitement.

Nairobi, Kenya | May 19, 2026 — The ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party has strongly defended President William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza administration amid mounting criticism over rising fuel prices and ongoing unrest linked to the fuel crisis.

UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar Hassan addresses the media on Tuesday. Photo: UDA (Facebook).

Speaking on Tuesday morning during a press briefing at the UDA headquarters, party Secretary General Hassan Omar Hassan attributed the worsening fuel situation to the escalating U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict, saying that the disruption and partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz had destabilised global oil supply chains and driven up international fuel acquisition costs.

The former Mombasa Senator argued that Kenya, like many other countries, had been affected by elevated crude oil prices, increased shipping risks, higher insurance premiums, and disruptions in maritime transport caused by geopolitical tensions.

The party defended the government’s interventions, insisting that measures put in place under the Government-to-Government (G2G) fuel import arrangement had cushioned Kenyans from even higher fuel prices.

According to Omar, the G2G arrangement was currently shielding consumers by KSh19.51 per litre of super petrol, KSh20.72 per litre of diesel, and KSh18 per litre of Jet A1 and kerosene, compared to prices in the international spot market.

UDA also pointed to the reduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) on petroleum products from 16 percent to 8 percent as part of the government’s efforts to cushion consumers from rising fuel costs. 

The party added that billions of shillings had been injected through the fuel stabilisation programme to mitigate the impact of soaring global oil prices, warning that pump prices would have exceeded KSh300 per litre without government intervention.

The SG also defended the recent fuel price adjustments announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), which saw diesel prices reduced by KSh10.06 per litre while kerosene prices increased by KSh38.06 per litre.

According to the party, the review was prompted by concerns from public transport operators over increased fuel adulteration linked to the growing price difference between diesel and kerosene.

UDA further accused opposition leaders and government critics of politicising the fuel crisis for political gain, instead of acknowledging efforts being made to stabilise the energy sector and protect consumers from the impact of global oil market disruptions.

“We have reached a point where we must say enough is enough. You are destroying the country—throughout it is always the same people destroying infrastructure and looting from others. What did President Ruto do to you?” Omar said.

The party further questioned why critics could not wait until the 2027 General Election to democratically challenge President Ruto instead of allegedly inciting unrest.

“What has Ruto done to you that is so bad? If you truly believe he is incapable of leadership, why not wait for 2027 and exercise your democratic right? There is a constitutional transition in this country,” he added.

Omar maintained that while Kenyans have a constitutional right to peaceful demonstrations, acts of violence, arson, looting, vandalism, and attacks on innocent citizens would not be tolerated.

 UDA Condemns the killing of gospel star Rachel Wandetto

At the same time, the party condemned what it described as the horrific and barbaric killing of gospel singer Rachael Wandetto Muthoni, saying the incident reflected growing political intolerance in the country.

The gospel singer was reportedly attacked in Mwiki, Kasarani Sub-County, Nairobi, on May 16, 2026, after unknown assailants allegedly doused her with petrol and set her ablaze over a tattoo believed to symbolise support for President William Ruto. She later succumbed to her injuries while undergoing treatment at Kenyatta National Hospital.

The party described the attack as savage and cowardly, linking it to rising political hatred, extremism, and hostility allegedly being promoted within sections of society.

“No Kenyan should ever be targeted, attacked, or killed for exercising constitutionally guaranteed political rights and freedoms,” Omar said.

UDA further maintained that Kenya is governed by the rule of law, not mob justice, intimidation, or political violence, adding that such acts have no place in a democratic and civilised society.

The party also cautioned political leaders against promoting division and intolerance based on differing political opinions, warning that such conduct risks fuelling violence, criminality, and national instability.

UDA extended its condolences to Muthoni’s family, friends, and loved ones, while praying for peace and justice following the tragic incident.

All eyes now turn to President William Ruto, who is currently on an international assignment in Baku, Azerbaijan, as Kenyans await his return and the first steps he may take in addressing the rising fuel prices and related protests.