Opposition lists key demands over fuel crisis in Kenya

The United Alternative Government has accused President William Ruto’s administration of presiding over what it describes as one of the biggest fuel scandals in Kenya’s history, claiming that the energy sector has been turned into a “criminal enterprise.”

In a statement issued on April 15, 2026, the opposition said the government has failed to shield Kenyans from rising fuel costs, instead allowing the sector to be driven by profiteering interests at the expense of citizens.

“Today, we wish to draw the attention of Kenyans to one of the greatest fuel scandals in the history of independent Kenya. Kenyans are on their own and the entire energy value chain is completely a criminal enterprise,” the statement read.

The allegations come shortly after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced a sharp increase in fuel prices, with super petrol rising by Ksh28.69 per litre and diesel increasing by Ksh40.30 per litre.

The opposition linked the price hike to the government-to-government (G-to-G) fuel import arrangement involving international suppliers Saudi Aramco, ADNOC and ENOC, which operate alongside selected local oil marketing companies.

It claimed that supply disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East triggered an emergency response that opened the door for questionable procurement decisions.

According to the statement, local firms were invited to supply emergency fuel stocks, with contracts initially awarded to the lowest bidders in line with procurement rules, before alleged interference altered the process.

“After Mr William Ruto got a brief that Gulf Energy’s bid was knocked out on technical grounds… he issued clear instructions that Gulf Energy bids be affixed to the procurement process,” the opposition claimed.

The group further alleged that this interference disrupted lawful procurement procedures and introduced political influence into fuel supply arrangements.

The statement also referenced the arrest of former Petroleum Principal Secretary Mohamed Liban, former EPRA Director General Daniel Kiptoo and former Kenya Pipeline Company Managing Director Joe Sang, arguing that they acted within the law during emergency fuel import decisions.

“To date, the three arrested Kenyans… have had no charges preferred on them. Why? They had no case to answer as they followed and applied the law strictly,” it stated.

The opposition accused the government of shielding the “real architects” of the crisis while targeting officials who acted procedurally.

It further argued that recent fuel price increases would generate significant gains for actors within the supply chain, estimating profits of up to Ksh5 per litre.

The group also compared Kenya’s fuel prices with neighbouring countries such as Uganda, where petrol averages about Ksh175 per litre and diesel Ksh170, despite fuel passing through the Port of Mombasa.

Among its demands, the opposition called for a special sitting of Parliament within seven days to address the crisis, cancellation of the G-to-G fuel import framework, and immediate resignation and prosecution of Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi and Trade CS Lee Kinyanjui.

It also proposed suspension of several levies, including the Road Maintenance Levy, Affordable Housing Levy and increased NSSF deductions, saying the measures would ease pressure on households.

“Kenyans cannot continue to pay political rent at the pump,” the statement added.

The government, however, has defended recent tax adjustments and subsidy measures, saying they are aimed at cushioning consumers while maintaining fiscal stability amid global oil market pressures.

Despite this, rising fuel costs continue to drive up transport fares and commodity prices, with pressure mounting on the government to take further action.