UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar Hassan has accused the opposition of politicizing fuel prices for selfish political gain, amid ongoing debate over the cost of living in Kenya.
Speaking during a press briefing at the party headquarters, Hassan Omar defended the government’s fuel pricing measures, stating that the Government-to-Government (G-to-G) fuel import framework has shielded Kenyans from a sharp spike in prices driven by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
He revealed that the government has injected KSh 6.2 billion to stabilize fuel prices and cushion consumers from further increases.
Additionally, he noted that VAT on Super Petrol, Diesel, and Kerosene has been reduced from 16 percent to 8 percent, resulting in retail prices of Sh197.60, Sh196.63, and Sh152.78 respectively.
“Through the G-to-G framework, Kenyans have been cushioned from a spike in fuel prices due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Further, the government has availed Ksh. 6.2 billion to stabilize the prices as a way of mitigating further escalation,” he said.
Hassan Omar dismissed opposition criticism, terming their leaders as “clueless,” and took a swipe at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of hypocrisy.
He reminded Kenyans that Gachagua was present when the first consignment of fuel under the G-to-G arrangement was received on April 12, 2023 at the Kipevu Oil Terminal in Mombasa.
The UDA Secretary General also expressed confidence in the leadership of Opiyo Wandayi and Lee Kinyanjui, praising their stewardship in the energy and trade sectors.
“As a party, we remain confident in their leadership in steering the country through current economic challenges,” he said.
Other party officials present at the briefing included Brian Higgins Mbugua, UDA Deputy Executive Director, Nathaniel Mong’are, Director of Communication, and Sam Mwangi, Director of Logistics and Events.
