Gachagua Rejects Claims Linking Kenya’s Fuel Prices to Strait of Hormuz Crisis

Gachagua Rejects Claims Linking Kenya’s Fuel Prices to Strait of Hormuz Crisis

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has dismissed claims that the recent increase in fuel prices in Kenya is primarily linked to tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, accusing the government of using global events to justify what he termed as punitive fuel costs on ordinary Kenyans.

Speaking during a public address on Tuesday, May 19, Gachagua questioned the government’s explanation regarding the sharp rise in fuel prices, arguing that neighbouring countries within the region continue to sell petroleum products at significantly lower prices despite being affected by the same international market conditions.

The former DP’s remarks come amid growing public frustration over the latest fuel price adjustments announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, which triggered nationwide protests and disruptions in the transport sector earlier this week.

According to Gachagua, the government’s attempt to attribute Kenya’s fuel crisis to instability in the Middle East and possible disruptions along the Strait of Hormuz does not fully explain the widening price gap between Kenya and neighbouring states such as Tanzania and Uganda.

“They cannot continue blaming the Strait of Hormuz every time fuel prices go up while our neighbours are selling fuel at much lower prices,” Gachagua stated.

“If the problem is global, then why are Kenyans suffering more than citizens in neighbouring countries who buy fuel from the same international market?” he posed.

The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, remains one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes, with a significant percentage of global petroleum exports passing through the narrow waterway daily.

Recent geopolitical tensions involving Iran and Western powers had raised fears of possible disruptions to oil supply chains, causing fluctuations in international crude oil prices over the past several months.

However, Gachagua argued that Kenya’s fuel pricing challenges are largely domestic and linked to taxation, inefficiencies, and policy decisions rather than purely external factors.

The former deputy president accused the government of failing to cushion citizens from the rising cost of living, warning that the continued increase in fuel prices was already affecting food prices, transport costs, and the broader economy.

“Kenyans are not fools. They understand when they are being overtaxed and when excuses are being used to avoid accountability,” he said.

His remarks add to the growing political debate surrounding Kenya’s fuel pricing structure after recent increases in diesel and petrol prices sparked protests by matatu operators, boda boda riders, and digital taxi drivers across the country.

Earlier this week, transport operators staged demonstrations in Nairobi, Nakuru, Kisumu, and other towns, accusing the government of failing to protect businesses and consumers from escalating operational costs.

The protests forced the government into emergency negotiations with transport stakeholders, leading to a temporary suspension of a nationwide strike for one week to allow consultations.

Meanwhile, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has maintained that the recent fuel price increases are partly linked to global market conditions and the timing of fuel imports.

Mbadi recently explained that Kenya is currently consuming fuel imported in April 2026 when international crude oil prices had risen sharply, while neighbouring Tanzania is still relying on cheaper fuel imported earlier in March.

Despite the government’s explanation, opposition leaders and sections of the public continue questioning why fuel remains significantly more expensive in Kenya compared to some neighbouring countries.

Political analysts say the fuel debate is likely to remain a major issue ahead of the 2027 General Election, especially as the rising cost of living continues to dominate national conversations.

Gachagua further challenged the government to provide greater transparency on how fuel prices are determined and called for a review of taxes and levies imposed on petroleum products.

“The burden being placed on ordinary Kenyans is becoming unbearable. The government must stop hiding behind international crises and address the real issues affecting fuel prices locally,” he added.

As pressure mounts on the government to ease the cost of fuel, many Kenyans now remain hopeful that anticipated reductions in global oil prices in the coming weeks could eventually translate into relief at local pumps and reduced transport costs across the country.

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Gachagua Rejects Claims Linking Kenya’s Fuel Prices to Strait of Hormuz Crisis