Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka has criticised President William Ruto over recent remarks explaining why fuel prices in Kenya are higher than in neighbouring countries, reigniting the debate on the cost of living.

Speaking during a rally in Kitui West on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, Kalonzo dismissed the president’s explanation as contradictory and out of touch with the realities facing ordinary Kenyans, accusing Ruto of indirectly admitting that poor leadership is to blame for the high cost of fuel.

“Jana vijana walijitokeza, alisema kwa mtandao watafanya peaceful demonstration kwa sababu bei ya mafuta imeongezeka. Ati huyo Ruto alisema one time ati kwa nini bei ya mafuta kwa mchi Jirani ni chini kuliko ya Kenya. Yeye mwenyewe amejijibu kwamba ni uongozi duni ndo inafanya haya mambo yaelekee,” Kalonzo said.

His remarks come days after President Ruto defended his administration’s fuel pricing structure during a Sunday service at Karen Africa Gospel Church on April 19, 2026.

In his address, Ruto argued that comparisons between Kenya and its neighbours are often misleading due to differences in economic status.

“I know many people in Kenya keep asking, you know, why it is that sometimes prices of fuel are different in Kenya from our neighbours? Sometimes, maybe it’s good to let them know, because it’s important for people to know,” Ruto said.

He attributed the price disparity to Kenya’s classification as a middle-income economy, contrasting it with neighbouring countries.

“Kenya is a middle-income country. Our neighbours are least developed countries. There is a big difference,” he said.

Fuel crisis

Ruto further argued that fair comparisons should be made with countries of similar economic standing.

“If you want to compare Kenya fairly with others, compare Kenya with other middle-income countries. That is how you will get the figures right. Middle-income countries like Kenya are possibly have higher prices than Kenya or the same,” he said.

The president also linked fuel costs to taxation and infrastructure development, noting that Kenya’s fuel levies support an expansive road network.

“Our fuel supports transport infrastructure,” he said.

He said the scale of Kenya’s road infrastructure, stating that the country maintains over 20,000 kilometres of tarmac roads and is currently constructing an additional 6,000 kilometres.

“20,000 kilometres of tarmac to maintain here in Kenya is actually the same for the other six or seven East African countries combined,” he said.

“The 6,000 kilometres we are constructing at the moment in Kenya is equivalent to all the tarmacs in our neighbouring country, which has been built for 60 years.”

However, Kalonzo rejected this explanation, arguing that it fails to justify the burden placed on citizens already struggling with high living costs, and maintained that leadership decisions, rather than economic classification alone, are the primary drivers of the current fuel pricing challenges.