Gov't accuses opposition of exploiting fuel crisis for political gain
The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has accused opposition leaders of exploiting the global fuel price crisis for political gain, saying recent claims on rising pump prices are misleading and politically motivated.
This follows a press briefing by opposition leaders in which they criticised the Government-to-Government fuel import arrangement and existing tax measures, and called for urgent action to address the rising cost of petroleum products in the country.
The party said the increase in fuel prices is driven by global geopolitical disruptions, particularly conflict in the Middle East, rather than domestic policy decisions.
Speaking during a media briefing at the Party's headquarters in Nairobi, UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar said the opposition was using the situation to mislead the public instead of addressing the broader global context influencing fuel prices.
“The exploitation of a global geopolitical challenge for political expediency speaks volumes about their character and lack of depth,” Omar said.
He explained that the government has taken steps to cushion consumers from rising costs, including the release of KSh 6.2 billion from the Petroleum Development Levy to stabilise pump prices.
Omar added that the reduction of Value Added Tax on petroleum products from 16 per cent to 8 per cent was part of efforts to ease the burden on consumers.
He said the Government-to-Government fuel import arrangement has ensured steady supply of petroleum products while also reducing pressure on the US dollar.
Omar pointed to previous involvement by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in the same arrangement, noting that he had publicly supported it.
“It is particularly amusing to note that the impeached former Deputy President has conveniently forgotten that he personally received the first G-to-G consignment on April 12, 2023, at the Kipevu Oil Terminal in Mombasa,” Omar said.
He said the former Deputy President is now taking a different position despite his earlier support for the programme.
“Today, in his characteristic bitterness and for selfish political motives, he misleads the public with outrightly defamatory accusations.”
The SG also cited the role played by former Attorney General Justin Muturi in approving the fuel import framework. He said Muturi had provided legal clearance for the arrangement before later criticising it.
“Alongside the impeached Deputy President was former Attorney General Justin Muturi, who has also conveniently forgotten that he authored and provided the necessary legal clearance for the G-to-G arrangement on March 10, 2023,” he said.
According to Omar, leaders who were involved in the process should acknowledge their role instead of distancing themselves from it.
“To stand on a podium and feign ignorance of an arrangement one participated in designing and approving speaks to not only their desire to sabotage the government, but a reaffirmation of their character of conmanship.”
Omar said any fuel imports conducted outside the approved framework were illegal and had already been cancelled.
He added that allowing such imports would have resulted in significantly higher pump prices for consumers.
He dismissed claims of fuel shortages, saying the country has maintained adequate stock levels to meet demand.
Omar expressed confidence in Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and Investments, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui, urging them to remain focused amid criticism.
He said calls for mass action over fuel prices ignore the global factors that influence petroleum pricing in import-dependent economies like Kenya.
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