Kenya Kwanza leaders have pushed back against opposition claims linking President William Ruto to rising fuel prices, insisting the government has taken steps to shield Kenyans from further increases.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki led the response on Saturday, April 18, 2026, saying critics should stop blaming the president for a situation driven by global factors.

Speaking in Chuka Igambang’ombe, Kindiki said the rise in fuel costs is tied to international supply pressures, including tensions in the Middle East.

“The war has started pushing petrol up. But you have seen the government has started controlling that situation because we do not want to go back to where we were in 2022,” he said.

He pointed to measures already taken, including tax cuts and other interventions, to ease the burden on households.

“We will take other steps as we continue. We will control that situation until we ensure that no citizen suffers unnecessarily because of the fuel price rise,” Kindiki added.

Tax cuts and subsidy defence

His remarks came as Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi defended the government’s decision to cut Value Added Tax (VAT) on fuel from 16 per cent to eight per cent and introduce a subsidy.

Speaking earlier on Saturday, April 18, 2026, Wandayi said the interventions have prevented a sharper spike in pump prices.

“Without these interventions, the price of super petrol would have been 217 shillings per litre, diesel 236 shillings per litre, and kerosene 261 shillings per litre,” he said.

He added that the government released a Ksh6.2 billion subsidy to cushion consumers and stabilise the market. According to the Ministry of Energy, the move aimed to limit the impact of rising global oil prices on the local economy.

Recent figures from the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) show that the tax cut has already lowered pump prices. In Nairobi, super petrol now retails at Ksh197.60 per litre, diesel at Ksh196.63, and kerosene at Ksh152.78 following the adjustment.

Leaders allied to the ruling coalition repeated the same message at a separate event in Narok County. They dismissed claims that the President benefits from fuel price hikes and challenged critics to provide evidence.

Farouk Kibet criticised opposition figures for what he described as misleading claims.

“Those fighting are Trump and Iran. Now, does Kenya have oil? These fuel words must be spoken correctly,” he said.

The leaders also warned that continued claims without proof could lead to legal action.

Political pressure mounts

Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot took aim at the Linda Mwananchi group, accusing some politicians of using young people to push political attacks.

“Tell those young people that the president is planning and doing things that are for the benefit of the present and the future generations,” he said.

However, pressure continues to mount from the opposition. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called for further reductions in fuel prices, warning the government not to test the patience of Kenyans.

“Lower the price of fuel! There are no two ways about it. Prices must come down,” Gachagua said in a statement.

Amid the political exchanges, leaders within the Orange Democratic Movement also signalled support for continued cooperation with the ruling United Democratic Alliance.

Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa said the working arrangement between the two parties remains intact.

“We believe in the cooperation between the ODM party and the UDA party. We say that by 2027 we will continue to cooperate and ensure we give William Samuel Ruto two terms,” he said.

The developments highlight growing political tension over the cost of living, even as the government defends its response. While fuel prices remain a concern for many households, Kenya Kwanza leaders maintain that the measures in place are meant to protect the economy from further shocks.