Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria on Wednesday issued a sarcastic apology to all Kenyans for his comments criticising citizens complaining about increased fuel prices.
In a statement, the Cabinet Secretary while aiming a sly dig at Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale said the apology has been necessitated by criticism from the legislator who asked President William Ruto to sack the minister for failing Kenyans and making insensitive comments.
"Dear Kenyans. On Friday 15th September I made some comments indicating that the price of fuel is likely to go up in the coming months owing to global dynamics," Kuria said in the statement.
"I have since been advised by people like Dr. Boni Khalwale and his master that the statement was incorrect, insensitive and ARROGANT. I am made to now understand that the price will come down. I apologise profusely since to err is human," he added.
This comes after the Cabinet Secretary attracted the wrath of Kenyans for dismissing those complaining about high fuel prices following the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA's) move to review pump prices.
Kuria, told the lamenting Kenyans to dig their own wells and drill oil.
This statement was preceded by other remarks where he said “I repeat. Petrol will be Ksh 260 by February. And El Nino is coming in three weeks that will last till March. These are the global and climate change driven. Responsible leaders ought to tell the truth to prepare the people. You can throw stones at me all you want.”
President William Ruto's Economic Advisor David Ndii also came under heavy criticism for telling Kenyans not to expect fuel prices to come down anytime soon.
When questioned why the Kenya Kwanza government was not following through with its campaign pledges to make the cost of living easier, Ndii retorted, asking why Kenyans believed politicians who gave all manner of promises on the campaign trail.
The economist further told Kenyans not to trust the government.
Following public backlash over the remarks made by the two, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, in a statement reiterated that their opinions did not reflect the official government position or that of President William Ruto.
He further advised senior leaders to address Kenyans with humility since, they are their employers albeit indirectly.
The trade CS did not take the remarks well and fired back at his superior claiming that Kenyans ought to be told the truth.
Kakamega senator, Dr. Boni Khalwale on September 17, during a political event, asked Ruto to sack Kuria and Ndii alongside Energy CS Davis Chirchir, accusing them of failing in their mandate of lowering the cost of fuel.
On his part Chirchir, attributed the skyrocketing cost of fuel to the ever increasing international landing costs, and higher price of crude oil at international markets.
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