Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has hit back at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over claims that President William Ruto ordered an increase in petrol and diesel prices ahead of the latest fuel review.
Speaking during a campaign tour in West Pokot on Wednesday, October 14, Wandayi said the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), not individual government officials, was responsible for setting pump prices.
“Fuel prices are managed independently by EPRA and not individuals within government,” Wandayi said.
He challenged Gachagua to direct his complaints to him instead of accusing the President of planning to raise fuel prices.
The exchange comes hours before EPRA announces the new maximum retail prices for petrol, diesel and kerosene for the October-November pricing cycle.
The regulator has scheduled a press conference for 4pm on Wednesday, October 14, with the new prices expected to take effect at midnight.
Gachagua had earlier claimed that petrol prices would rise by KSh12 per litre and diesel by KSh9, accusing Ruto of planning to use the additional revenue to finance political activities ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader also claimed that Wandayi had been instructed to justify the alleged increases by citing rising global oil prices.
However, the figures cited by Gachagua had not been confirmed by EPRA at the time of publication.
Wandayi also accused the former Deputy President of demanding bribes from petroleum companies during his time in office, although he did not provide evidence for the allegation in his remarks.
The latest exchange comes as Kenya faces pressure from rising international fuel costs linked to disruptions in the Middle East.
On Tuesday, Wandayi said the cost of importing petroleum products had increased, partly due to higher shipping and insurance charges. He maintained that the country had adequate fuel stocks and that supplies were arriving as scheduled.
In Nairobi, a litre of petrol was retailing at KSh214.03, diesel at KSh217.86 and kerosene at KSh191.38 under the prices that remained in force until October 14.
Motorists and businesses are now waiting for EPRA’s announcement to establish whether the new prices will rise, fall or remain unchanged.