Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has cautioned opposition leaders against inciting young people to engage in violent demonstrations over rising fuel prices, insisting that street protests will not resolve the ongoing crisis.
Speaking on Wednesday at Torongo in Eldama Ravine Constituency, Baringo County, Prof. Kindiki said the surge in fuel prices is a global challenge triggered by disruptions in the oil supply chain following the Iran war.
He noted that countries across the world have experienced similar shocks, emphasizing that Kenya is not uniquely affected.
“All countries in the world have been impacted by the disruption and are reporting higher fuel prices. Kenya is not an exception,” he said.
The Deputy President made the remarks after inspecting ongoing development projects in the area, including the Esageri ESP Market and the Torongo–Mosomboriet Road.
He also commissioned the Ibobor Last Mile Electricity Supply Project before addressing residents at Torongo shopping centre.
Prof. Kindiki further accused the opposition of misleading to blame the government for a crisis largely driven by external factors.
He argued that Kenya has no control over global oil prices and urged political actors to exercise responsibility in their statements.
“It is disingenuous for anyone to point blame on the government for a situation that is beyond our control and to make matter worse call for demonstrations instead of bringing ideas on how to tackle the problem,” he said.
At the same time, the Deputy President defended measures already taken by the government to cushion Kenyans from the rising cost of fuel.
Among the interventions, he said, is the reduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) on fuel from 16 percent to 8 percent, alongside the release of Sh6.2 billion aimed at stabilising pump prices.
He stressed that these efforts are intended to mitigate the burden on consumers and maintain economic stability.
“Nobody should incite Kenyans to break the law or destroy their country because the solution lies in the interventions the government has already put in place,” he added.
Prof. Kindiki accused political opponents of exploiting the crisis for political gain without offering practical solutions.
He claimed that some leaders who previously held office were now resorting to incitement after failing to deliver during their tenure.
“We do not want people who have run out of ideas after squandering opportunities in office to incite young people to destroy their country. We cannot allow lawlessness,” Kindiki noted .
Kindiki challenged opposition figures to have their own children participate in the protests they advocate.
“I urge our young people not to fall prey to incitement by leaders who are misleading them into violent acts while their own children stay away. Those calling for demonstrations should ensure their children are at the forefront,” he said.
He also affirmed the government commitment to accelerate development projects in Baringo County, noting that infrastructure and social programmes remain a top priority.
According to Prof. Kindiki, the county has been allocated Sh32 billion for the construction of 854 kilometres of tarmac roads, including the Timboroa–Eldama Ravine road, which is already underway adding Sh22 billion has been set aside for modern markets, hostels and affordable housing projects.
Electricity connectivity has also received a boost, with Sh712 million earmarked to connect an additional 4,000 households under the last mile programme.
“We are focused on development and delivering on our promises. We do not have time for distractions. We are focused to assuring residents that the projects would be completed within the set timelines,,” he noted.
Edited by John Majau
