Kenya’s opposition group has warned that it will mobilise nationwide protests within seven days if President William Ruto’s administration fails to address rising fuel prices in East Africa’s biggest economy.
The opposition demanded Nairobi to undertake an urgent review of the government-to-government (G-to-G) fuel import deal and sweeping tax relief measures to address the crisis.
This came after President Ruto defended the Middle East triggered fuel price increases, saying the government had taken decisive steps, including reducing Value Added Tax (VAT) on fuel from 13 percent to eight percent, to cushion Kenyans from the impact of soaring global energy costs.
In a joint statement the opposition demanded the cancellation of the G-to-G petroleum framework, suspension of the road maintenance and affordable housing levies, removal of VAT on fuel and a halt to increased deductions to the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), arguing that the taxes had worsened the cost-of-living crisis triggered by the latest fuel price hike.
“We unequivocally demand the cancellation of the Government-Government petroleum framework as it involves handpicked Oil Marketing Companies that represent the interests of the President,” the statement said.
The opposition also called for the immediate resignation and prosecution of Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui over what it termed a “fuel scandal that has pushed pump prices to historic highs.
The coalition further urged President Ruto to convene a special sitting of Parliament within seven days to address the fuel crisis and consider tax relief measures aimed at cushioning households.
Among the proposals tabled are the suspension of the road maintenance levy, recently raised from Sh18 to Sh25 per litre, suspension of the affordable housing levy, and a halt to increased NSSF deductions, which they said are placing an excessive financial burden on workers.
The leaders accused Ruto’s administration of exploiting geopolitical tensions in the Middle East to restructure fuel import arrangements for profit, alleging that the crisis has been used to renegotiate pricing with international oil suppliers.
MG/as/APA