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Trade Cabinet Secretary Kuria has hit back at Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over the high cost of fuel prices in the country even as the split in government escalated.

 In a number of tweets posted on X platform, Kuria told Rigathi as a minister responsible for the private sector, he had a duty to advise businesses ‘based on science and not truthful voodoo.’

 Kuria in the tweets insisted that his remarks on the cost of fuel were based on science and even went ahead to demonstrate how the same will rise in the coming months.

 He said: “August fuel stocks will land in October. The cost is well known and its scientific. September shipments will land in November. Costs are also known. From there we move to Winter in the US and expected stock piles. And then the bilateral arrangements between Saudis and Russia on the one side and China and India on the other hand plus ongoing oil cuts.”

He went on: “As Minister responsible for Private Sector mine is to advise business based on science not truthful voodoo.”

 The tweet came after another one which he later deleted, accusing the Deputy President of exhibiting “inferiority complex.”

 Read the tweet directed at the DP: “Inferiority complex and misplaced insecurities will kill you nani. Relax!”

  His tweets came just a day after Gachagua and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, waded into the debate surrounding the high cost of fuel prices, with the former warning that the outbursts by some government officials do not reflect the government’s official position.

 Gachagua, who jetted into the country from Colombia where he had been attending a business forum, said he had noted with concern the exchanges between public servants and Kenyans and warned against arrogance on the part of public officers.

 The DP warned the affected CSs and the advisor to be sensitive against talking down to and demoralising Kenyans, instead asking them to inspire hope in the citizenry.

Blame on advisors

 He said: “I would like to remind them that although the people of Kenya did not employ them directly, they decisively elected H.E. President William Ruto, who in turn appointed them Cabinet Secretaries and Advisors. And hence by virtue of this, they are employed by Kenyans.

 “You do not address your employer with arrogance. Do so with humility and decorum. Kenyans, like the rest of the world, are going through difficult economic times and leaders should address them with sensitivity and empathy.”

 He said that although the issue of fuel prices was a worldwide challenge, the government was committed to finding lasting and sustainable solutions to the economic challenges that face Kenyans.

 Mudavadi on his part hinted at a possible Cabinet reshuffle, warning that it was not beyond the President to do so when he feels the right is time.

 “The President is clear about one thing, this administration is about efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery to the people,” said Mudavadi in a statement.

 “The moment any appointee steps out of line or acts in a manner that is inconsistent with this mantra, it is not beyond the President to make changes in senior ranks of the Executive. At an appropriate time and in his wisdom, the President could make such changes.”

 Gachagua and Mudavadi’s sentiments followed comments made by Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale who led calls for President Ruto to sack Energy Cabinet Davis Chirchir, Kuria and the President’s economic advisor David Ndii saying they had failed him. On the other hand, Ndii made provoking remarks following the fuel price increment maintaining that he does not subscribe to the government’s views and he will not tame his tongue to fit certain parameters.

“I don’t believe politicians, and I don’t trust government.  If you do either you are a sucker,” said Ndii on X.

“I don’t agree. I do not subscribe to sentimentality in the conduct of public affairs.  I owe my position in this society to speaking truth to power, brutally. I ruffle feathers.”

 Khalwale, who was speaking in Kakamega, said Kenyans who elected Ruto with the hope that he would change their lives were beginning to despair given the rising cost of living.

 “President Ruto, I want to tell you today from Kakamega, watu wenye umepatia kazi wamekuingiza kona mbaya sana; mtu ambaye anaitwa minister for Trade, mtu ambaye anaitwa waziri wa Energy na mtu ambaye anaitwa your Economic advisor (President Ruto, the people you have given jobs have put you in deep trouble; the CS for Trade and the CS for Energy and your economic advisor,” Khalwale said.

 The three at the weekend made controversial remarks on the prices of fuel after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced sharp increases during the monthly price adjustments.

 The new prices saw the cost of petrol going up by Sh16.96 to retail at Sh211.64 per litre while that of diesel increased by about Sh21.32 per litre to retail at Sh200.99, and Kerosene increased by Sh33.13 to retail at 202.61 per litre.