Joe Nyutu slams National Assembly over inaction on pressing national crisis
By Faith Lagat, May 22, 2026Joe Nyutu has sharply criticised the National Assembly for failing to address the escalating fuel price crisis gripping the country, describing the inaction as a major disappointment and a betrayal of Kenyans suffering under rising living costs.
In an interview on Thursday, May 21, 2026, Nyutu expressed frustration at Parliament’s reluctance to convene despite the gravity of the situation.
“It is a major disappointment, particularly on the part of the National Assembly. Parliament cannot distance itself from this matter. Lawmakers were expected to convene and deliberate on an issue that is affecting the entire country,” he said.
Nyutu took issue with attempts to absolve Parliament, pointing out a clear contradiction in arguments presented by some legislators. He recalled that during a previous fuel price surge, Parliament swiftly acted to reduce VAT from 16% to 8%.
“The crisis we are in warrants that the Speaker, especially of the National Assembly, because money bills are dealt with by the National Assembly… should have facilitated a recall of the House,” he argued.
Scrutiny of legislative leadership
The commentator singled out National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, accusing him of prioritising political engagements over urgent national matters.
Nyutu noted that while the Speaker found time to attend events and discuss 2027 politics, including controversial “empowerment” programmes, he failed to gazette a special sitting for the fuel crisis.
He drew a stark contrast with the rapid response to the Deputy President position vacancy, where a special sitting was held the morning after an impeachment.
“In the wisdom of Wetangula, it was more important to give Kindiki a job than it was important to solve this crisis that is affecting every other Kenyan,” Nyutu lamented.
His remarks come amid heightened public anger following the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA)’s latest review, which saw Super Petrol rise by Ksh16.65 to Ksh214.25 per litre and Diesel by Ksh46.29 to Ksh242.92 per litre in Nairobi. The hikes have triggered immediate increases in transport fares and goods prices, intensifying the cost-of-living crisis.
Demands for executive transparency
Former Law Society of Kenya President Nelson Havi echoed these sentiments in a Facebook post on May 18, 2026, accusing Parliament of being “captured by the Executive.”
“In a functional constitutional democracy, Parliament would have intervened… However, Parliament is captured. Few well-meaning Parliamentarians can only complain like the rest of us. Sad!” Havi wrote.
The pressure has mounted with Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro formally requesting the Speaker to recall the House to consider tax relief measures, including zero-rating VAT on fuel and reducing the Road Maintenance Levy.
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi has similarly pushed for VAT to be slashed to zero per cent. Transport operators under the Transport Alliance have threatened a nationwide strike starting May 18.
Nyutu further called for transparency on the Government-to-Government (G-to-G) fuel arrangement.
“It’s time the details of the G-to-G arrangement are brought to light. Nobody actually understands how it operates. Which government are we buying this fuel from and why are we not doing it through the national oil company?” he questioned..