Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has scoffed at President William Ruto over the recent spike in fuel prices, accusing the government of misleading Kenyans despite earlier assurances that interventions had stabilised the market.

In a statement on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, Sifuna faulted Ruto’s administration for what he termed as “open lies” regarding the country’s fuel pricing situation, following a sudden increase of approximately Ksh40 per litre barely two weeks after government reassurances.

“It is actually a crime under Kenyan law for public officers to give false/misleading information. We have been told a bunch of open lies about the fuel situation with Ruto himself, as recently as 30th March, telling us his ‘strategic interventions’ had ‘mitigated price increases’ only to hit us with a 40 shilling increase two weeks later,” Sifuna wrote on X.

The senator placed full responsibility for the rising cost of fuel squarely on the president, intensifying political pressure on the Kenya Kwanza administration amid growing public outrage over the high cost of living.

“We are placing the pain at the pump squarely on Ruto,” Sifuna added.

This comes as Kenyans will pay more for fuel after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced an increase in the maximum retail prices of petroleum products.

At the same time, motorists have said they plan to hike fares as Kenyans brace for the looming high cost of living.

In a press release on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, EPRA said the new prices will be in force from April 15 to May 14, 2026.

According to the regulator, the price of Super Petrol has increased by Ksh28.69 per litre, while Diesel has gone up by Ksh40.30 per litre.

However, the price of kerosene remains unchanged during the review period.

Ruto’s earlier assurances

On March 30, 2026, President Ruto issued measures to cushion Kenyans from the global economic strain caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, adding that the crisis had disrupted supply chains and exerted pressure on economies worldwide, including Kenya.

“The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is having a significant impact on the global economy. This disruption is already being felt across global supply chains and is placing pressure on economies worldwide,” Ruto said at the time.

He emphasised that Kenya was not immune to these global shocks but assured citizens that his administration was actively managing the situation through coordinated efforts across key government agencies.

“In light of the evolving geopolitical developments, I received a comprehensive briefing on the situation and possible recommendations on the way forward,” Ruto stated.

Regarding petroleum products, Ruto acknowledged that rising international oil prices were already affecting consumers globally.

However, he maintained that Kenya’s government-to-government fuel procurement arrangement had cushioned citizens from immediate shocks.

“This strategic intervention has mitigated price increases, ensuring a secure supply, and has proven to be both prudent and forward-looking,” Ruto asserted.

He further indicated that the Ministry of Energy, working in collaboration with the National Treasury, would continue to monitor global fuel prices and implement appropriate interventions to protect consumers.

Fuel concerns

Sifuna’s remarks now cast doubt on the effectiveness of those interventions, especially in light of the steep price hike that followed shortly after the president’s assurances.

The senator also aimed at unnamed government advisors, referring to an expert whose guidance he dismissed as misleading.

“Let me not even mention that ‘expert’ or his string of lies,” Sifuna remarked.

The clash comes amid a deepening political divide over economic management, with fuel prices emerging as a key flashpoint.

For many Kenyans, the rising cost of fuel has a direct ripple effect on transportation, food prices, and overall household expenses.

The latest increase has sparked widespread concern among citizens and businesses alike, with calls mounting for greater transparency and accountability in how fuel pricing decisions are communicated, even as they call for a swift probe into the fuel saga.