“Kenya Needs Solutions”: Augustus Kyalo Muli Demands Fuel Tax Relief Amid Rising Cost of Living

 By Gedion Nzyoki - 

• The National Liberal Party (NLP) leader Augustus Kyalo Muli has called on the government to urgently address rising fuel prices, warning that the high cost of living is straining households and businesses.
• He proposed relief measures, including temporary tax suspension on petroleum products and greater transparency in fuel pricing, alongside broader reforms in the energy sector.
• Muli also backed peaceful demonstrations over economic concerns and urged the formation of a multi-sectoral forum to develop long-term solutions to Kenya’s cost-of-living crisis.

The National Liberal Party (NLP) leader Augustus Kyalo Muli has urged the government to take urgent action to address the rising cost of fuel, warning that millions of Kenyan families and businesses are under increasing economic pressure.

The National Liberal Party (NLP) leader Augustus Kyalo Muli has called on the government to urgently address rising fuel prices. Photo: Augustus Kyalo Muli (Facebook).

In a worded statement shared on his Facebook page, the NLP leader said the continued rise in fuel prices is worsening the cost of living and negatively affecting key sectors of the economy, including transport and small businesses.

He emphasized the need for urgent and practical interventions, stating that the country must prioritize workable solutions to ease pressure on citizens.

Muli’s Appeal for Government Action

Muli, who also serves as Anzauni clan chairperson, called on the government to address what he described as structural drivers of high fuel prices. These include heavy taxation, inefficiencies in the energy sector, and a lack of transparency in pricing mechanisms.

He specifically demanded the publication of the fuel pricing formula and proposed a temporary 90-day suspension of Value Added Tax (VAT) on petroleum products as a relief measure for Kenyans.

“We call on government to address the root causes: excessive taxation on fuel, inefficiencies in the energy sector, and lack of transparency in pricing. Specifically, NLP demands the immediate publication of the fuel pricing formula and a 90-day suspension of VAT on petroleum products to give Kenyans breathing space.”

He reiterated that fuel prices remain heavily influenced by taxation, which he said contributes significantly to the pump price and places a growing burden on households and businesses.

On the planned strike by matatu industry players, Muli expressed support for peaceful demonstrations, including youth-led movements, saying Kenyans have a constitutional right to voice concerns over economic hardship. He, however, urged that all protests remain lawful and peaceful, calling for restraint from both demonstrators and security agencies to avoid violence or disruption of public order.

“As a businessman and party leader, I see this daily. I stand with Kenyans demanding answers,” the statement added.

Muli further noted that several African countries facing similar global oil price shocks have introduced measures such as tax reductions and subsidies to cushion consumers.

He proposed the establishment of an urgent multi-sectoral forum within seven days to address the fuel crisis and broader cost-of-living challenges. He suggested that the forum should bring together Gen Z groups, transport operators, labour unions, energy experts, and political leaders from across the political divide.

He warned that continued delays in addressing the crisis would deepen economic hardship for ordinary citizens.

Support for Peaceful Demonstrations

While supporting public expression of grievances, Muli urged that all demonstrations remain peaceful, warning against violence, vandalism, or infiltration by individuals seeking to disrupt order. He also called on security agencies to exercise restraint and prioritize the protection of life and property during any public demonstrations.

“We urge all demonstrators and security agencies to ensure tomorrow’s protest remains peaceful and protects life and property. We condemn any attempts to infiltrate peaceful protests with violence or looting,” he added.

The NLP leader concluded by stressing that Kenya’s economic challenges require urgent and practical solutions rather than political rhetoric. He reaffirmed that his party will continue pushing for accountability and participating in efforts aimed at developing long-term solutions to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.