Former President Uhuru Kenyatta, during the Jubilee Party delegates meeting in Kiambu on May 26 /AMOS NJAUFormer President Uhuru Kenyatta has urged the current
administration to urgently address the rising cost of living, singling out fuel
prices and transport costs as key drivers of economic strain on Kenyan
households.
Speaking in remarks directed at President William Ruto,
Uhuru said many families are struggling to survive as a large share of their
income is consumed by basic expenses such as transport, rent and food.
He argued that the economic pressure facing citizens cannot
be solved through political rhetoric or blame games but requires practical
engagement and collective action.
The former President illustrated the burden facing
low-income earners, saying some households earning about Sh20,000 spend nearly
half of it on transport costs linked to fuel prices, with a further significant
portion going to rent.
“The issue is simple; Kenyans are complaining because of the
high cost of living. They are earning Sh20,000; from this, Sh8,000 goes to fuel
for matatu transportation, and Sh11,000 goes to rent. The remaining Sh2,000 is
supposed to buy food and take children to school,” he said.
Uhuru said the situation leaves families with very little
disposable income, warning that ordinary citizens are being pushed into deep
financial distress.
He cautioned against politicising economic challenges,
insisting that leadership should focus on solutions rather than division.
The former head of state further called for collaboration
among leaders to address the crisis, arguing that national challenges require
unity rather than confrontation.
“Do not talk about tribalism and other things. If you want
us to help solve the problem, then reach out; we solve, but blaming others will
not work. Let us sit together and solve. When the country has a problem, it
involves all of us,” he said.
Uhuru also emphasised that economic policy must translate
into tangible relief for citizens, noting that Kenyans cannot “eat words” or
benefit from speeches and infrastructure promises if basic living costs remain
unaffordable.
“Kenyans will not eat words, education, or build roads with
just talking. It does not have tribalism or anything else; it needs all
Kenyans,” he said.
Kenyans from across the country recently staged demonstrations against the rising cost of fuel.
Uhuru said Kenya belongs to all communities and urged leaders to avoid actions that promote ethnic divisions or political intolerance, stressing that unity is key to national stability.
He accused a section of leaders within the Kenya Kwanza administration of inciting Kenyans and fuelling divisions across the country, warning that such behaviour risks undermining peace and national cohesion.
He further reflected on past political tensions, cautioning leaders against actions that could revive divisions similar to those witnessed during the 2007 post-election violence, and called for restraint in political communication.
“Let us not divide our people because of politics,” he said, urging leaders to prioritise peace, unity and national cohesion as Jubilee continues its restructuring and grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.
