UDA Defends Government Fuel Interventions Amid Global Crisis, Condemns Political Violence

UDA Secretary General addresses the media at the party headquarters during a press briefing on the global fuel crisis and rising cases of political intolerance in the country. The party defended government fuel stabilization measures and called for peace and national unity.

The ruling party, United Democratic Alliance (UDA), has defended the government’s ongoing fuel stabilization measures, saying Kenya remains resilient despite the worsening global fuel crisis triggered by the escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

Speaking during a press briefing at the party headquarters, UDA leaders said the government had undertaken deliberate interventions to cushion Kenyans from the sharp increase in global oil prices and to maintain stability in the transport and energy sectors.

The party noted that the disruption and partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes, had severely affected global fuel supply chains, leading to increased shipping risks, higher insurance costs and rising crude oil prices internationally.

UDA officials explained that fuel pricing in Kenya is influenced by several factors including the landed cost of fuel, storage and distribution expenses, taxes and supplier margins. They added that international charges such as freight costs, financing expenses, port handling fees and insurance premiums had risen significantly due to the ongoing geopolitical tensions.

According to the party, comparisons between Kenya’s fuel prices and those of neighbouring countries fail to reflect the economic realities affecting each country differently.

“Every country operates under unique fiscal, economic and supply chain conditions. Simplistic comparisons without considering these structural differences are economically misleading,” the party stated.

UDA further defended the government-to-government (G2G) fuel importation arrangement, saying the model continues to shield Kenyans from more severe fuel price increases.

The party revealed that under the G2G arrangement, the country has been cushioned by KSh 19.51 per litre of super petrol, KSh 20.72 per litre of diesel and KSh 18 per litre of Jet A1 kerosene compared to prices under the spot market.

It also noted that freight and premium charges under the G2G framework remain significantly lower than those currently prevailing in the international spot market.

The government has additionally reduced Value Added Tax (VAT) on super petrol, diesel and kerosene from 16 percent to 8 percent as part of efforts aimed at easing pressure on consumers.

UDA disclosed that over KSh 16 billion has so far been used for fuel stabilization in the 2025/2026 financial year, with more than KSh 11 billion already applied since the beginning of the current crisis.

The party warned that without these interventions, fuel prices in the country would have surpassed KSh 300 per litre.

The briefing also addressed the ongoing concerns raised by public transport operators over the fuel pricing structure.

According to UDA, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) revised fuel prices effective May 19 to June 14, 2026, following petitions from stakeholders in the transport sector.

Under the revised prices, diesel was reduced by KSh 10.06 per litre while kerosene prices increased by KSh 38.6 per litre in a move aimed at curbing fuel adulteration and easing pressure on public transport operators.

The party said the government remains committed to finding a lasting solution to the ongoing fuel challenges through consultations involving the Ministries of Energy, Treasury and Transport.

UDA stated that President William Ruto had directed an inter-ministerial engagement to urgently work with stakeholders and explore further interventions necessary to restore normalcy in the sector.

While acknowledging that recent consultations had not fully resolved the impasse, the party expressed optimism that an amicable solution would soon be reached.

The ruling party also urged Kenyans to remain calm, patient and united during the crisis, emphasizing that the current challenges were largely caused by external geopolitical developments beyond Kenya’s control.

“Despite the prevailing global crisis, the government has maintained uninterrupted fuel supply and protected the national fuel distribution chain, unlike some countries currently experiencing fuel rationing and severe shortages,” the party stated.

UDA at the same time cautioned political leaders against exploiting the fuel crisis for political gain.

The party warned that while peaceful demonstrations are protected under the Constitution, criminal acts such as destruction of property, looting, arson and attacks on innocent citizens would not be tolerated.

Meanwhile, UDA strongly condemned the brutal killing of Rachel Wandeto Muthoni, who was reportedly attacked and set ablaze in Mwiki, Kasarani Sub-county on May 16, 2026.

According to reports cited during the briefing, the deceased was allegedly targeted over a tattoo associated with support for President Ruto.

The party described the incident as barbaric, inhumane and a worrying indication of rising political intolerance in the country.

“No Kenyan should ever be attacked, targeted or killed for exercising their constitutional and democratic rights,” the party stated.

UDA further called on political leaders to refrain from promoting hatred, division and extremism, warning that inflammatory rhetoric could encourage violence and threaten national stability.

The party expressed condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and called for swift investigations into the incident to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

UDA concluded by reaffirming its commitment to national unity, peace and economic stability amid the ongoing global and local challenges.