Opposition: Ruto is the biggest beneficiary of oil price hike

By Newsflash Writer

The United Opposition has termed President William Ruto as the biggest beneficiary of the recent fuel price hike, accusing him of presiding over what they described as one of the most elaborate oil scandals in Kenya’s history.

In a joint statement, the opposition leaders alleged that the sharp increase in pump prices was not driven purely by global market forces, but by a well-orchestrated scheme designed to enrich a powerful network within government at the expense of ordinary Kenyans.

The leaders, who included Rigathi Gachagua (DCP), Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper), Fred Matiang’i (Jubilee), Eugene Wamalwa (DAP-Kenya) and Justin Muturi (DP), said the current fuel crisis had exposed deep-rooted manipulation within the country’s energy sector.

They claimed that President Ruto and his close allies had taken advantage of the Middle East crisis to inflate fuel prices and maximize profits through proxy companies and questionable supply arrangements.

According to the statement, the opposition alleged that a government-to-government fuel importation framework had been hijacked by politically connected individuals, locking out competitive players and creating room for exploitation.

They further pointed to the role of Gulf Energy, which they claimed was linked to the President, alleging that it controls a significant share of monthly fuel imports under the current arrangement.

“The entire energy value chain is now a criminal enterprise designed to benefit a few individuals at the top,” the leaders said, adding that Kenyans were being forced to bear the burden of artificially inflated prices.

Claims of manipulation and forced decisions

Speaking to journalists in Nairobi on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, the leaders said recent developments in the sector, including the arrest of senior government officials, were part of a wider cover-up.

They cited the arrests of former Petroleum Principal Secretary Mohamed Liban, former Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) Director General Daniel Kiptoo, and former Kenya Pipeline Company Managing Director Joe Sang as politically motivated.

According to the opposition, the three officials had merely implemented lawful directives aimed at addressing a looming fuel shortage after international suppliers signaled challenges due to geopolitical tensions.

They argued that the government had initially approved emergency fuel imports through a transparent process involving multiple oil marketing companies, but later interfered to favor select players.

“The process was above board and in line with the law, but when certain interests were not accommodated, political pressure was applied and heads began to roll,” the leaders said.

They further alleged that Gulf Energy submitted its bid late and failed to meet key technical requirements, but was still irregularly awarded contracts after direct intervention from senior government figures.

The opposition claimed that this interference disrupted a competitive procurement process and allowed inflated pricing structures to take effect.

Kenyans ‘paying for greed’ amid rising costs

The leaders said the ultimate consequence of the alleged manipulation was the historic rise in fuel prices announced on April 14, which saw petrol increase by KSh28.69 per litre and diesel by KSh40.30 per litre.

They argued that the new prices would have a ripple effect across the economy, driving up the cost of transport, food, and basic commodities.

“Kenyan households are now paying for the greed and business interests of a few individuals within government,” they said.

The opposition further claimed that the pricing adjustments would generate massive profits for those involved in the scheme, estimating that billions of shillings would be made from fuel sales in the coming weeks.

They contrasted the situation with neighboring countries such as Uganda, where fuel prices remain significantly lower despite relying on imports through Kenya’s port of Mombasa.

The leaders accused the government of abandoning its responsibility to protect citizens, noting that previous administrations had implemented subsidies and other measures to cushion Kenyans during global crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

In contrast, they said, the current administration had chosen to capitalize on the crisis to maximize revenue.

The opposition is now demanding urgent interventions, including the immediate cancellation of the government-to-government fuel import framework, suspension of certain taxes and levies on fuel, and the convening of a special parliamentary sitting to address the issue.

They also called for the resignation and prosecution of senior officials in the energy sector, insisting that accountability must be enforced.

“We demand that the President stops living in denial and puts the interests of Kenyans first,” the leaders said.