Kandara Member of Parliament (MP) Alice Wahome detailed the intrigues behind the delays in the announcement of fuel prices for the period starting September 15 to October 14.
As Kenyans anxiously waited for the first fuel prices under President William Ruto's regime, His Excellency was grappling with lowering the cost of the petroleum products - petrol, diesel and kerosene.
Speaking on Thursday, September 15, Wahome intimated that President Ruto wanted fuel lowered but was astounded by the report he received from the Ministry of Petroleum.
“I am privy to the report that the President received on the cost of fuel and it was nearly impossible for him to reduce the cost but it will only be a matter of time before the issue is sorted," she stated, defending the high record fuel prices released by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) close to midnight on the previous day.
Wahome called on Kenyans to be patient with the new government as the president had a long-term plan to reduce the cost of fuel and eventually the cost of living.
"Kenyans should not despair but should continue working hard as we wait for the govt to make enough money to make fuel available at pocket-friendly costs," the lawmaker reiterated.
"Personally, I understand the plight of the people and I also feel the pinch of buying the fuel at that high cost. We know that the government is new and we are optimistic that it will create policies to enable the people to have higher purchasing power and lower their living costs,” she added.
President Ruto was also backed by his economic advisor David Ndii, who challenged the concerned citizens to give him ample time to deliver the promises he made during his campaigns.
"Friends, supporters, well-wishers. Please please give us a chance to settle down. If we don’t pick up or return your calls, we are working," Ndii stated.
The prices were met with ridicule by elected leaders in the opposition who trolled Kenyans who voted in the new regime. Embakasi East MP Babu Owino opined that Kenyas should enjoy the ‘freedom’ they longed for.
“We wanted freedom and it’s finally here as fuel prices hike. We are back in the jungle. Hii celebration imekuwa fupi kama mapenzi ya kuku (your celebration is at short-lived as the love between two a cock and a hen)," Babu Owino mocked.
Nominated MP John Mbadi sarcastically commented, “Fuel prices reviewed bottom up.”
