Nyaribari Chache MP Zaheer Jhanda was on Saturday heckled by Kisii residents after he attempted to distance President William Ruto from high fuel prices.
While attending a Thanksgiving mass at the Cardinal Otunga Mosocho High School in Kitutu Chache, Jhanda stated that Ruto was not to blame for the current prices released on Thursday, December 14.
Super petrol currently trades at Ksh212.36, diesel at Ksh201.47 and kerosene at Ksh199.05. The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) reduced the prices by Ksh5, Ksh2, and Ksh4.01 for petrol, diesel and kerosene respectively.
''It is important that we remember that it is not the President raising or lowering the fuel prices. There are many factors that make the fuel prices rise,'' he stated, in the event attended by President William Ruto, his deputy Rigathi Gachagua, and Kisii Governor Simba Arati, among other politicians.
The MP struggled to proceed with his speech as the jeers increased. However, he completed his speech after calm was restored.
"'We must say the truth. Even if we make noise, it is not the President that is making the fuel prices go up, so let us relax,'' he stated and also condemned politicians who were criticising the government while requesting development projects.
He consequently asked them to stop allegedly blackmailing the government and rather give President William Ruto ample time to work.
''It is important for leaders to respect your government. If you cannot respect the President and you want to be helped, how can that happen,'' Zaheer wondered.
The first-time MP also thanked President Ruto for raising the allocation of the National Government Constituency Fund from 35 per cent to 40 per cent.
Ruto increased bursaries under the CDF program to ensure learners access education after he signed into law The National Government Constituencies Development Fund (Amendment) Bill on Monday, December 11.
While making his speech in Kisii, Ruto concurred with MP Zaheer Jhanda, adding that other entities, such as EPRA, were responsible for adjusting fuel prices.
''I told you last month that the price of fuel will come down, and it has come down, and now am telling you that next month the fuel price will reduce. Don't clap for me because am not the one who has reduced.
''I did nothing about the fuel prices going down. Those people with oil are the ones bringing the prices to us every month the only thing am telling you is that those giving us the prices will reduce," Ruto stated.
He further criticised his critics who have constantly accused him of failing to lower the cost of living, stating that in 2027, every politician will produce their scorecard.
''They have taken us to court so that they continue stealing, I want to tell you to look for someone else to threaten, not me, I will not allow them to continue abusing Kenyans,'' Ruto noted.
