Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has cautioned opposition leaders against politicizing the rising cost of fuel, attributing the increase to global factors beyond the government’s control.
Speaking on Thursday 16 April 2026, during a development tour of Chonyi Constituency in Kilifi County, Prof. Kindiki said international tensions involving Iran, have disrupted the global oil market and driven up importation costs.
“Do not politicize fuel prices because the rise has not been occasioned by the government of Kenya but by external factors affecting the global oil sector,” he said.
The Deputy President urged politicians to refrain from inciting the public, emphasizing that demonstrations are not a solution to the current challenges.
“There is no solution in protest since we can only address this through short-term and long-term policy interventions,” he added.
He noted that the government has already taken steps to cushion Kenyans, including a directive by the President to reduce VAT on fuel from 16 percent to 8 percent, with more measures expected to be announced.
During the visit, Prof. Kindiki commissioned and inspected several development projects, including the construction of student hostels at Rabai Technical Training Institute, a tuition block at Chonyi Comprehensive School and ongoing works at Rabai Huduma Centre.
He also reviewed electrification efforts under the Misufini Last Mile Electricity Supply Project and addressed residents at Uwanja wa Faya.
The second in command at the same time revealed that Kilifi County is set to benefit from 385 kilometres of road projects worth KSh25 billion, as well as 17 modern markets, affordable housing units, and institutional accommodation valued at KSh22 billion.
Additionally,he noted the government has allocated KSh2.1 billion to connect over 23,000 households to electricity in the county.
Prof. Kindiki reaffirmed the government’s commitment to equitable development across the country and challenged the opposition to present alternative policies instead of engaging in political attacks.
“Our competitors should focus on offering better ideas to improve people’s lives rather than engaging in endless insults,” said Kindiki .
Edited by John Majau
