"Fix Fuel Crisis First": Uhuru Kenyatta Criticizes President William Ruto Over fuel Prices, Calls for Action.

By Gedion Nzyoki -

• Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has criticised President William Ruto’s administration over the rising cost of living and soaring fuel prices.
• Uhuru accused the government of engaging in blame games instead of focusing on practical solutions to ease the burden on Kenyans.
• The former Head of State also urged Kenyans to choose leaders based on performance and results rather than political slogans or popularity.

Kiambu, Kenya | May 25, 2026 – Former President Uhuru Mwigai Kenyatta has strongly criticised President William Ruto and his Kenya Kwanza administration over high fuel prices in the country.

A photo collage of former President Uhuru Mwigai Kenyatta and current President William Samoei Ruto. Photo: Courtesy.

Speaking on Monday afternoon at the iconic Kiambu Golf Club during a Jubilee Party delegates forum, the former Head of State accused the Ruto administration of engaging in rhetoric and blame games instead of addressing the fuel crisis, saying many Kenyans are struggling with the high cost of living driven by rising fuel prices.

He illustrated the situation by pointing out that many households struggle with low incomes, while a significant portion of their earnings is consumed by rising fuel costs and heavy taxation, leaving them with little disposable income for other needs.

“Issue ni simple… watu wanapiga kelele kwa sababu mimi ni mtu mshahara wangu ni 20k, 800 inaenda kwa mafuta, 12 inaenda kwa kodi. Hiyo ndiyo shida—ongeeni na watu,” Uhuru said.

The retired Head of State said the Ruto administration should focus on delivering practical solutions to current challenges instead of engaging in rhetoric that shifts blame to previous governments.

“Kenyans are angry because of the high cost of living. They are crying out over soaring fuel prices. Listen to Kenyans instead of shifting blame. If you need help, call and together we find solutions for the people of Kenya,” he stated.

During a national address in Mombasa, shortly after returning from official visits to Kazakhstan and Baku, Azerbaijan for bilateral talks, President William Ruto dismissed proposals by Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro to scrap fuel taxes in response to the global oil crisis. 

He argued that the proposals were driven more by political considerations than sound economic reasoning and were not practical given the country’s fiscal needs.

Ruto’s remarks followed Nyoro’s push to amend fuel taxation laws after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced an increase in pump prices.

The serving President cautioned leaders against exploiting citizens’ frustrations for political mileage, warning that rash decisions could cripple public services.

He emphasised that leadership requires honesty, noting that even advanced economies are not immune to global oil shocks.

President Ruto’s remarks came after Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro advocated for changes to fuel taxation laws in response to a recent increase in fuel prices announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA). 

The President cautioned political leaders against using public frustration over the rising cost of living for political gain, warning that making hasty or populist decisions could undermine government operations and disrupt the delivery of essential public services.

He further stressed that responsible leadership demands honesty and realism, noting that even developed economies are not insulated from global oil price shocks and must also adjust to such external economic pressures.

Speaking on matters of leadership, the retired President emphasised that effective leadership is not determined by age, noting that young people are equally capable of holding leadership positions. He urged citizens to look beyond popularity when choosing leaders and instead focus on a candidate’s track record and ability to deliver tangible results.

The former Head of State also cautioned against making political choices based on slogans or narratives such as “dynasty” and “hustler” politics, questioning their practical impact and arguing that such divisions have not delivered meaningful progress, but rather contributed to ongoing national challenges.

“Leaders do not have to be old; even young people can lead. Do not elect leaders based on popularity, but on action. What have dynasty and hustler politics brought you apart from problems?” Uhuru said.

Uhuru Kenyatta’s remarks come at a time when the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA), through Secretary General Hassan Omar Hassan, has linked the ongoing fuel challenges to the escalating U.S.–Israel–Iran conflict. The party argues that tensions in the Middle East, including disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, have strained global oil supply routes and driven up international fuel import costs.

The party maintains that Kenya, alongside other economies, has been affected by rising crude oil prices, increased freight and shipping risks, higher insurance premiums, and broader disruptions in maritime transport driven by geopolitical instability.

UDA has further defended the government’s response measures, saying the Government-to-Government (G2G) fuel import arrangement has played a key role in cushioning consumers from even higher pump prices.