Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has assured Kenyans that the government will continue engaging stakeholders to cushion citizens from the effects of rising global fuel prices that have triggered pressure on the country’s transport and economic sectors.
Speaking in Kinangop, Nyandarua County, during the burial of Mzee Eshbon Thuku, father to Kinangop MP Zachary Kwenya Thuku, Kindiki said the government had already taken measures to stabilize fuel prices and avert a planned transport sector strike.
The Deputy President thanked stakeholders for what he termed as successful negotiations that led to a Sh10 reduction in diesel prices and the suspension of the strike to pave way for further consultations.
“I want to thank all the stakeholders who held a successful meeting that led to the reduction of fuel prices by Sh10. I am grateful for the suspension of the strike to allow negotiations and for the government to deal with the difficult situation that has not only affected Kenya but the whole world,” said Kindiki.
He said the government remains committed to finding sustainable and long-term solutions to ease the burden on wananchi while ensuring the economy continues operating normally.
According to Kindiki, the sharp rise in global fuel prices has been occasioned by the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which has disrupted global supply chains and increased the cost of freight, insurance and logistics.
“The government is committed to cushioning the people of Kenya by mitigating the effects of this crisis,” he said.
Kindiki revealed that the government had reduced Value Added Tax on fuel from 16 percent and already spent Sh12 billion in the last two months to subsidize fuel prices. He added that more subsidies would be applied to future fuel stocks until the global situation stabilizes.
“The price has been reduced by Sh10 per litre as a sign of government commitment to continuous engagement with stakeholders to achieve sustainable management of the global fuel price spike,” he said.
However, the Deputy President defended the retention of part of the fuel levy, saying the taxes are critical in financing road construction and maintenance as well as supporting other sectors of the economy.
“The remaining portion of tax is essential for the construction of our road infrastructure and the maintenance of roads to support the economy. The right balances must be maintained to ensure that as we sort out the fuel price issue, we do not disrupt funding for other equally important sectors like education and social services,” he stated.
At the same time, Kindiki cautioned politicians against inciting the public to violence, destruction of property and criminal activities during the current economic challenges.
“The use of violence, armed robberies, arson and destruction of public and private property by criminal groups threatens our national interests and jeopardizes the future of our nation,” he said.
He added that leaders who sympathize with criminal activities and terror against citizens were unfit to hold public office.
His sentiments were echoed by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, who urged Mt Kenya residents to reject divisive politics and avoid being incited into violence.
The burial ceremony also had lighter moments as Kindiki and Wetang’ula humorously reflected on how the late Mzee Eshbon Thuku successfully managed his large polygamous family.
Kindiki eulogized the deceased as a hardworking and disciplined patriarch who ensured his children received education and strong moral grounding.
“He has left behind a successful family and a legacy of great achievements,” said the Deputy President as he conveyed condolences to the family of the late patriarch.
