An attempt by People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua to make a comparison between President William Ruto’s administration and that of the late President Danie Moi has raised a storm on X (formerly Twitter).
Weighing in on the latest fuel adjustments by the Energy and Petrol Regulatory Authority (EPRA), the former Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister appeared to accuse President Ruto and the late Moi for arbitrarily increasing fuel prices.
However, the short statement attached with a 1997 announcement of new fuel prices touched off a storm with netizens accusing her of lack of accountability during her tenure in government with some also accusing her of ethnic bias.
“So you mean there were no fuel price increases during Kibaki and Uhuru? Do you know that all levies and all cartels in the industry came to be during their tenure?” an X user called Njagi Jnr said.
Others challenged Karua to provide solutions instead of criticising the government, arguing that fuel crisis is a global phenomenon occasioned by the war in the Middle East.
“Be realistic. Tell us how you would lower fuel costs in the face of rising crude oil prices. The issue with you guys is that you blame and criticize without providing solutions. Criticize but provide answers. Criticism and blame have no positive value,” InfoJaka, another X user wrote.
“I was forwarded this image on WhatsApp, and it’s been making rounds all week. This was June 1997. Moi was in power. Fuel prices and cost of living were high and our rights were under attack. 29 years later, different era, same struggle,” Karua wrote.
“Kenya is blessed with so much potential, we cannot remain trapped in an endless cycle of corruption, poor priorities and injustice. We must unite and put in place leadership that can truly break this endless cycle of unnecessary misfortune,” the PLP party leader said.
However, netizens quickly pointed out what they termed as ethnic bias and political deceit by singling out Ruto and Moi and leaving out Kenyatta and Kibaki whom they said also increased fuel prices significantly during their tenure.
“But you’re conveniently leaving Uhuru’s period when prices hit almost 250 and still there was no fuel in the petrol stations. We know the trend and how selective you know how to apportion blame,” Daniel Mwanzia said.
“You were the most powerful minister in Kenya yet you did almost nothing.Why take us round like fools,what did you do? Stop and retire. We have a new crop of leaders,” another X user by the name Edulink said.
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) attributed the increase to a rise in international petroleum product prices, coupled with exchange rate fluctuations and the application of statutory taxes under the Value Added Tax
According to the latest adjustments, Super Petrol and Diesel by Ksh.28.69 and
Ksh.40.30 per litre, respectively. According to EPRA, the Government will cushion the consumers through the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL) Fund by utilizing approximately Ksh.5 billion to subsidize the prices of Diesel and Kerosene.
“The Authority has calculated the prices basis 8% VAT on petroleum products pursuant to Legal Notice No.70 dated 15th April 2026. Further, the Government will in this cycle, cushion the consumers through the Petroleum Development Levy (PDL) Fund by utilizing approximately KShs.5 Billion to subsidize the prices of Diesel and Kerosene.” EPRA said on May 14.
