The Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) Secretary for Planning and Economic Affairs, Peter Mbae, has accused the government of exploiting the current fuel situation to benefit at the expense of Kenyans.
Speaking during an interview on the TV47 Breakfast show on Thursday, 16th April 2026, Mbae dismissed claims that the ongoing conflict in Iran is responsible for the fuel crisis in the country.
“The war in Iran has nothing to do with the fuel crisis we are experiencing today. Unfortunately, the government used this crisis to profit at the expense of Kenyans, instead of cushioning them. Why make fuel changes and hikes at night, when people are asleep, only to shock them in the morning?” Mbae said.
"The war in Iran has nothing to do with the fuel crisis we are experiencing today. It is unfortunate that the government took advantage of this crisis to profit at the expense of Kenyans, instead of cushioning them. Why make fuel changes and hikes at night, when people are… pic.twitter.com/ngQSj4eKcJ
He further questioned the credibility of the government’s government-to-government (G-to-G) fuel importation arrangement, terming it a cover for corruption.
“There is nothing like G-to-G, these are just lies and fake deals, an opportunity for corruption and to steal from Kenyans. Ruto, scrap off the fuel levy,” he stated.
Fuel Crisis Turns Political
"There is nothing like G-to-G, these are just lies and fake deals, an opportunity for corruption and to steal from Kenyans. Ruto, scrap off the fuel levy." -Dr. Peter Mbae, Secretary, Planning & Economic Affairs, DCP #TV47Breakfast… pic.twitter.com/7ISt5752LQ
Mbae also demanded the removal of the Sh7 fuel levy and Sh5 billion allocation from the stabilization fund, warning that failure to lower prices could trigger protests.
“Ruto, we are demanding the removal of the Sh7 fuel levy and the Sh5 billion from the stabilization fund. Let the Sh27 fuel price be reduced, or Kenyans will take to the streets for maandamano next Tuesday,” he added.
"Ruto, we are demanding the removal of the Sh.7 fuel levy and the Sh.5 billion from the stabilization fund. Let the Sh.27 fuel price be reduced, or Kenyans will take to the streets for maandamano next Tuesday." -Dr. Peter Mbae, Secretary, Planning & Economic Affairs, DCP… pic.twitter.com/1mQJ6LjAAt
His remarks come as the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced a reduction in fuel prices late Wednesday, 15th April 2026, following a government decision to lower value-added tax on petroleum products, a move expected to ease pressure on consumers and businesses.
However, former Kenya National Union of Teachers Secretary General Wilson Sossion defended the government’s approach, arguing that the G-to-G arrangement remains the most effective way to ensure stable fuel supply.
“The G-to-G deal is the best strategy to ensure fuel availability and price control. Ruto has firmly stepped in to ensure proper management and prevent corrupt individuals from exploiting the situation or engaging in shoddy business. He is bold for reducing VAT on petroleum products from 13% to 8%,” Sossion said.
"The G-to-G deal is the best strategy to ensure fuel availability and price control. Ruto has firmly stepped in to ensure proper management and prevent corrupt individuals from exploiting the situation or engaging in shoddy business. He is bold for reducing VAT on petroleum… pic.twitter.com/z6BiT3Yfsh
Sossion further maintained that the issue surrounding fuel is largely influenced by market dynamics rather than government control.
“With the G-to-G deal, there is no fuel shortage; the only problem is the pricing, which is not determined by the government or politics, but by market forces. The scandal around fuel is due to self-interest, corruption, and cartels within the petroleum sector,” he added.
"With the G-to-G deal, there is no fuel shortage; the only problem is the pricing, which is not determined by the government or politics, but by market forces. The scandal around fuel is due to self-interest, corruption, and cartels within the petroleum sector." – Wilson Sossion,… pic.twitter.com/viRM0BGmyV
The contrasting views highlight the ongoing debate over fuel pricing and government intervention, as Kenyans continue to grapple with the rising cost of living.
