The United Alternative Government has issued a strong statement accusing the administration of President William Ruto of presiding over what it calls one of the biggest fuel scandals in Kenya’s history.

In a statement on April 15, 2026, the opposition claimed the government has failed to protect Kenyans from rising fuel costs and instead turned the energy sector into what it described as a “criminal enterprise”.

“Today, we wish to draw the attention of Kenyans to one of the greatest fuel scandals in the history of independent Kenya,” the statement read. “Kenyans are on their own and the entire energy value chain is completely a criminal enterprise.”

The claims come just hours after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced sharp fuel price increases. Super petrol rose by Ksh28.69 per litre, while diesel jumped by Ksh40.30, pushing up transport and commodity costs.

Claims over fuel supply deals

The opposition linked the price increases to the government-to-government fuel import arrangement involving three international oil firms: Saudi Aramco, ADNOC and ENOC. It said these firms work with selected local oil marketing companies under the deal.

According to the statement, the arrangement ran into trouble after supply disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East. The opposition said some suppliers declared their inability to meet obligations, triggering a supply gap.

It claimed that local firms were invited to supply emergency fuel stocks, and that contracts were awarded to the lowest bidders under existing regulations.

However, the opposition claimed that the process was later interfered with to include Gulf Energy, which it described as a proxy linked to senior figures in government.

“After Mr William Ruto got a brief that Gulf Energy’s bid was knocked out on technical grounds… he issued clear instructions that Gulf Energy bids be affixed to the procurement process,” the statement claimed.

The group further claimed that the move disrupted a lawful procurement process and led to political interference in fuel supply decisions.

Arrests and controversy

The statement referenced the arrest of former Petroleum Principal Secretary Mohamed Liban, former EPRA Director General Daniel Kiptoo and former Kenya Pipeline Company Managing Director Joe Sang.

It argued that the three officials acted within the law when they approved emergency fuel imports and followed existing regulations.

“To date, the three arrested Kenyans… have had no charges preferred on them. Why? They had no case to answer as they followed and applied the law strictly,” the statement said.

The opposition accused the government of using the arrests to deflect attention from what it called the “real culprits” behind the crisis.

Price impact and regional comparison

The group said Kenyans are now paying the price for what it described as profit-driven decisions within government.

“Yesterday night, they increased prices of super petrol by Ksh28.69 and diesel by Ksh40.30 per litre, an historic high since Kenya’s independence,” the statement said.

It claimed the price adjustments would generate significant profits for those behind the supply chain, claiming gains of up to Ksh5 per litre.

The opposition also compared Kenya’s fuel prices with neighbouring Uganda, noting that pump prices there average about Ksh175 per litre for petrol and Ksh170 for diesel, despite fuel passing through Kenya’s port of Mombasa.

Demands to government

The United Alternative Government laid out a series of demands aimed at addressing the crisis and restoring public confidence.

First, it called on President Ruto to convene a special sitting of Parliament within seven days to address the fuel issue.

“Mr William Ruto… this is the time. Kenyans are demanding that you… face reality and put Wanjiku first,” the statement said.

Second, it demanded the immediate cancellation of the government-to-government fuel import framework, arguing that it favours a small group of companies.

Third, the opposition called for the resignation and prosecution of Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui.

“We unequivocally demand the immediate resignation and prosecution” of the two ministers, the statement said, accusing them of misleading Parliament and being complicit in the scandal.

The group also called for the suspension of the National Infrastructure Fund and proposed using proceeds from state assets such as Safaricom PLC and Kenya Pipeline Corporation to cushion Kenyans from rising costs.

Tax relief measures

On taxation, the opposition demanded a series of immediate relief measures.

These include suspending the Road Maintenance Levy, which rose from Ksh18 to Ksh25 per litre, removing VAT on fuel products, and halting the Affordable Housing Levy and increased NSSF deductions.

It argued that these measures would reduce pressure on households already struggling with high living costs.

“Kenyans cannot continue to pay political rent at the pump,” the statement said.

The opposition’s demands come amid growing calls for fuel price reductions from across the political divide.

Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has also proposed tax cuts and increased subsidies, arguing that fuel prices could be reduced by up to Ksh27 per litre through policy changes.

At the same time, the government has defended its approach, saying recent VAT reductions and targeted subsidies aim to balance relief for consumers with long-term fiscal stability.

However, rising global oil prices and supply disruptions continue to limit the impact of these measures.

With fuel costs feeding directly into transport fares and the price of basic goods, pressure on the government is expected to intensify in the coming weeks.