United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Hassan Omar has urged players in the transport sector to exercise restraint and sobriety saying that the government is committed to finding a lasting solution to the fuel crisis.
Citing the ongoing war in Iran which has led to extensive destruction of key oil infrastructure in the Middle East and the blockading of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil, Omar expressed confidence in the ongoing negotiations.
He further cited the reduction of VAT on fuel from 16 percent to 8 percent, and other stabilization mechanisms, including the setting aside of over Sh16 billion Stabilization Fund in the current financial year has helped lessen the effects of the spike.
So far, the government has spent Sh11 billion on the Petroleum Development Fund to cushion Kenyans in the next cycles and to reduce the negative effect, he said. He made the remarks during a press briefing at the UDA Party Headquarters in Nairobi.
The move, Omar said, reflects the commitment of President Ruto’s administration to unlocking the fuel impasse citing the reduction of diesel by Sh10 per litre.
“In light of these extraordinary geopolitical developments, the government is fully seized of the matter and continues to confront the economic and strategic vulnerabilities arising from the rising landing cost of fuel,” he said.
“The government is fully committed to restoring stability and easing the prevailing economic pressure facing Kenyans as a result of the global skyrocketing of fuel prices,” he stated.
According to him, the UDA Party is optimistic that the ongoing inter-ministerial consultations involving the ministries of Energy, National Treasury, and Transport, together with the relevant stakeholders, will yield practical and amicable solutions to restore normalcy.
As the country waits for the outcome of the ongoing talks between the government and stakeholders in the transport sector, Sen Omar also urged Kenyans to approach the matter with sobriety, patriotism, and restraint.
Noting that the oil crisis is a global problem, Omar called upon Kenyans to show patience and patriotism terming the crisis as not of Kenya’s making, but one caused by external geopolitical development.
At the same time, Omar accused the opposition for politicizing a grave national matter for selfish political gain. “Political opportunists must not be allowed to exploit the grave situation for narrow, divisive and short-sighted political gains,” he stated.
He took issue with the looting, blocking of roads and violence witnessed during the demonstrations on Monday saying such acts of hooliganism will not be tolerated adding that the perpetrators of anarchy will face the full wrath of the law.
“While every Kenyan retains the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and demonstration, criminal acts including arson, obstruction of traffic, vandalism of public infrastructure, looting of businesses, robbery and attacks against innocent citizens shall not be tolerated and will be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law,” he warned.
The public is therefore urged to remain calm and patient as the government continues to evaluate additional measures aimed at ensuring fuel prices do not rise to levels that could severely damage the economy and livelihoods of ordinary Kenyans, he assured.
