Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki has warned opposition leaders against politicising fuel prices, saying the recent increases are driven by global supply disruptions linked to the conflict involving the United States and Iran, which has escalated tensions in the Persian Gulf region.
Speaking on Thursday while commissioning and inspecting development projects in Chonyi Constituency, Kilifi County, Prof. Kindiki said the government has already taken measures to cushion Kenyans from the impact of rising fuel costs.
“Do not politicise fuel prices. The rise in fuel prices has not been occasioned by the Government of Kenya. This has been caused by the war between the USA and Iran that has escalated to the countries in the Persian Gulf,” he said.
He urged political leaders to avoid inciting the public, arguing that demonstrations do not provide solutions to economic challenges.
“We have taken the required measures to respond to the emerging situation. There is no solution in demonstration. We can only find solutions in short-term and long-term policy interventions. Already the President has directed the reduction of VAT on fuel from 16 per cent to 8 per cent and he will announce more measures,” he added.
During the visit, the Deputy President laid the foundation stone for student hostels at Rabai Technical Training Institute (TTI), commissioned the construction of a tuition block at Chonyi Comprehensive School, and inspected ongoing works at Rabai Huduma Centre.
He also assessed progress on the Misufini A Last Mile Electricity Supply Project and later held a public sensitisation engagement at Uwanja wa Faya in Chonyi Constituency.
