Gachagua Alleges Petrol Could Rise by KSh 12 and Diesel by KSh 9

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto’s administration of planning fresh fuel price increases, alleging that petrol could rise by KSh 12 per litre while diesel could go up by KSh 9.

In a statement shared publicly, Gachagua claimed the proposed increases were intended to generate money for political activities ahead of the 2027 General Election. However, he did not provide independently verified evidence in the report to support the allegation.

The former deputy president also mentioned Gulf Energy, alleging that the transaction involving the proposed increases had been channelled through the company.

Gachagua further turned his attention to Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, claiming that the minister had been instructed to explain the proposed price changes by citing rising international oil prices.

“That so-called expert, Mr. Opiyo Wandayi, has been instructed to call a press conference and justify the increase, citing global prices. Pure lies and conmanship!” Gachagua claimed.

According to the figures cited in the report, if the alleged increases were implemented against the stated current prices, petrol would retail at KSh 226.03 per litre, while diesel would cost KSh 226.86 per litre.

The claims come amid concerns over rising international petroleum costs and their potential impact on Kenya’s monthly fuel pricing reviews. The government had also been seeking to extend the reduced 8 per cent Value Added Tax on petroleum products for another 90 days from October 15, 2026, with the proposal awaiting parliamentary consideration as of October 13.

Gachagua, however, dismissed the explanation linking the alleged increases to global market conditions, insisting that the additional revenue would be used for political purposes.

He also criticised Ruto’s leadership, accusing the President of facing growing public dissatisfaction over issues including the economy, alleged human rights violations and the management of public funds. These were Gachagua’s political claims and were not independently established by the report.

The former deputy president further alleged that Ruto had been distributing cash at public gatherings, including in the Rift Valley, and linked this to what he described as pressure to mobilise resources ahead of the next election.

Gachagua was removed from office through an impeachment process in October 2024 and has since emerged as a vocal critic of the President’s administration.

As of the time of the report’s publication on Wednesday, October 14, the alleged fuel price increases had not been independently confirmed in the information provided. Motorists should therefore distinguish Gachagua’s accusations from any official fuel price announcement by the relevant authorities.

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