Opposition threatens mass action over fuel scandal in Kenya
By Mabonga Makhanu, April 15, 2026The United Opposition has issued President William Ruto with a seven-day ultimatum to address several concerns in the energy sector, failure to which they have threatened with nationwide mass action.
Speaking during a press briefing in Nairobi on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua called on the president to immediately instruct the National Assembly Speaker to convene an urgent special sitting within the next seven days.
The proposed special sitting, according to the opposition, is meant to deliberate on the scrapping of the government-to-government (G-to-G) fuel procurement framework, an initiative which the Democracy for Citizens Party leader claims involves a few handpicked companies linked to the interests of a senior government official.
“President William Ruto, you must immediately instruct the National Assembly speaker to convene a special sitting to scrap G-to-G,” Gachagua stated.
The recently rebranded United Alternative Government (UAG) also demanded the immediate resignation of Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui, accusing them of being complicit in the ongoing controversy surrounding the fuel importation saga.
Gachagua further called for the abolition of the National Infrastructure Fund, recently approved by the National Assembly, which was to be financed through the sale of government assets, including shares in Safaricom and the divestiture of Kenya Pipeline Company.
He proposed that such proceeds instead be used to cushion Kenyans from what he termed a historic fuel price increase announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) on Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
Abolishment of taxes
Additionally, the opposition called for the scrapping of the Road Maintenance Levy, which was recently increased from Ksh18 to Ksh25 per litre of fuel, as one of the ways of cushioning Kenyans against the increased fuel prices.
They also demanded the abolition of the Affordable Housing Levy and what they termed as punitive NSSF deductions. Further, they urged the National Assembly to remove VAT on fuel entirely, despite its recent reduction from 16% to 13% by EPRA during their monthly fuel review.
Mass action warning
Gachagua concluded by warning that if the government and the National Assembly fail to act on these demands within the stipulated timeframe, the opposition will issue further directions to Kenyans, potentially triggering nationwide protests aimed at forcing President Ruto’s administration to respond.