Opiyo Wandayi Slams Gachagua Over Claims Govt Plans to Hike Pump Prices

Opiyo Wandayi Slams Gachagua Over Claims Govt Plans to Hike Pump Prices

Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has criticised Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua over claims that the government plans to increase petrol and diesel prices ahead of the latest fuel price review.

Wandayi responded to Gachagua’s allegations on Wednesday, October 14, while accompanying President William Ruto on a campaign tour in West Pokot County.

The Energy CS defended the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), insisting that fuel prices are determined under an established legal framework rather than through decisions made by individual government officials.

His remarks came hours after Gachagua accused President Ruto’s administration of planning to raise petrol prices by KSh12 per litre and diesel prices by KSh9 per litre.

Gachagua alleged that the proposed increases were intended to raise money for political bribery ahead of the 2027 General Election. However, the claims had not been independently established.

Wandayi Challenges Gachagua’s Fuel Price Claims

Wandayi dismissed Gachagua’s remarks, questioning his understanding of how fuel prices are determined in Kenya.

“Let me tell you, Mr Wamunyoro. There is nothing that you know regarding fuel prices in this country because you were a one-term MP. Fuel prices are managed independently by EPRA and not individuals within government,” Wandayi stated.

The CS maintained that EPRA is responsible for setting maximum retail fuel prices in line with the country’s petroleum pricing regulations.

Under this framework, the authority reviews fuel prices periodically, taking into account factors such as international petroleum prices, importation costs, exchange rates and other applicable charges.

Wandayi did not confirm whether the latest review would result in higher or lower pump prices, leaving motorists and businesses waiting for EPRA’s official announcement.

CS Accuses Former Deputy President of Seeking Bribes

Wandayi also levelled allegations against Gachagua over his previous tenure as Deputy President, claiming he had demanded bribes from petroleum companies that had agreements with the Kenyan government.

“When you were the Deputy President, you were demanding bribes from petroleum companies; therefore you cannot have any say in matters fuel prices in this country,” Wandayi said.

The allegation adds to the political exchange between leaders allied to the government and the opposition as the country approaches the 2027 General Election.

Gachagua’s claims and Wandayi’s counteraccusations had not been independently verified.

Kenyans Await EPRA’s October Fuel Prices

EPRA was expected to announce the new fuel prices for the October-November pricing cycle on Wednesday, October 14, with motorists closely watching the review amid concerns about the cost of living.

The authority was expected to communicate the new prices through a media briefing, departing from its conventional approach of issuing a press statement.

The announcement comes against the backdrop of disruptions in the Middle East, which have affected global oil markets and raised concerns about petroleum supply chains and shipping costs.

Wandayi said Kenya had continued receiving petroleum supplies despite the international challenges, seeking to reassure the public about the country’s fuel supply situation.

Current Petrol and Diesel Prices in Nairobi

In its previous review, EPRA maintained Nairobi’s maximum retail fuel prices for the period running from September 15 to October 14, 2026.

Petrol retailed at KSh214.03 per litre, while diesel sold at KSh217.86 per litre. Kerosene remained at KSh191.38 per litre.

The prices were unchanged from the previous cycle, which covered August 15 to September 14, 2026.

Any adjustment in the latest review is likely to affect household budgets, public transport fares, manufacturing and the cost of transporting goods across the country.

With fuel prices influencing the cost of essential goods and services, Kenyans were awaiting EPRA’s announcement to establish whether the next pricing cycle would bring relief or additional pressure on consumers.

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Opiyo Wandayi Slams Gachagua Over Claims Govt Plans to Hike Pump Prices