Belgut Member of Parliament (MP) Nelson Koech has defended President William Ruto over rising fuel prices.

Speaking during an interview with a local TV station on Monday, May 25, 2026, the lawmaker argued that the situation is being driven by global economic shocks rather than domestic policy decisions.

Koech said the ongoing fuel price fluctuations should not be politicised, arguing that Kenya is facing external pressures beyond the government’s control.

Global factors driving fuel prices

The MP pointed to disruptions in global oil supply chains, particularly refinery damage in key oil-producing regions, saying the crisis has affected transportation and distribution worldwide.

He noted that even if geopolitical bottlenecks such as the Strait of Hormuz were resolved, fuel stability would still take time to return due to damage to refining infrastructure.

He added that reports indicate several refineries in the Gulf region have been affected, further worsening supply challenges.

“I get the feeling that the president is being held hostage. Why so? This is a global crisis; we have nothing to do with the Strait of Hormuz. Assuming even it was opened today, the issue is not crude oil; the issue is the refinery. Eight of the refineries in the gulf have been hit. Even if the Strait of Hormuz was opened today, it will take another eight months to get stability in fuel transportation and to have fuel out to the countries,” Koech said.

Kenya not immune to global shocks

Koech said countries across the world, including Bangladesh and India, have already resorted to rationing fuel due to similar disruptions in global supply chains.

He warned that Kenya, with its significant budget deficit, remains vulnerable to external economic shocks if prudent measures are not taken.

“That is why countries like Bangladesh and India have rationed their fuel. Coming home, I think what has to be done has been done. We must always remember that we have a Ksh1.1 trillion deficit in our budget,” he said.

Call for non-political approach

The Belgut MP cautioned against politicising the fuel crisis, arguing that doing so could distract from the broader economic realities facing the country.

He maintained that President Ruto is being unfairly blamed for the high fuel prices, insisting that the issue is largely driven by international market forces.

Koech further called for long-term planning to help the country withstand global economic volatility, warning that failure to do so could strain Kenya’s fiscal stability.

“If today we are not careful, this country cannot absorb the financial shocks that are coming from what is happening globally. We need to avoid politicising this issue,” Koech said.

His remarks come amid ongoing public debate over the rising cost of living, with fuel prices remaining a key concern for households and businesses across the country.