Tharaka-nithi: Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has urged Kenyans to remain patient and avoid acts of violence as the government works with stakeholders to address the rising cost of fuel occasioned by the ongoing conflict involving Iran. Already, President William Ruto, who is in Azerbaijan, has directed Deputy President Cabinet Secretaries John Mbadi, Davis Chirchir, Opiyo Wandayi, and Kipchumba Murkomen to convene a meeting with stakeholders, including the owners and operators of public transport vehicles, manufacturers, and other players who rely on petroleum products, and seek solutions to the fuel prices issue. The DP was speaking during a consultative forum with grassroots leaders from Tharaka Constituency at his Irunduni rural home in Tharaka-Nithi County on Monday.
According to Kenya News Agency, Professor Kindiki said the fuel crisis was a global challenge affecting economies across the world and should not be politicised. He emphasized that through deliberate and innovative strategies, the government, under President William Ruto’s leadership, had managed to reduce the fuel cost from Sh218 per litre to Sh171 per litre before the conflict in Iran escalated.
Professor Kindiki challenged critics of the government to acknowledge the global nature of the fuel price hikes, urging them to be truthful about the situation. He defended the government’s response to the crisis, stating that several measures had been implemented to shield Kenyans from the impact of rising global oil prices.
The Deputy President highlighted that the government’s interventions had prevented fuel prices from reaching unprecedented levels. He noted that without these measures, prices could have soared to between Sh300 and Sh400 per litre. Among the steps taken were the reduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) on petroleum products from 16 to eight percent and substantial contributions to the stabilisation fund.
While recognizing the constitutional right of Kenyans to express their concerns, Professor Kindiki warned against destructive actions and economic sabotage. He stated that inciting violence for political gain was unpatriotic and called for peaceful resolutions to the fuel cost challenge.
Professor Kindiki further stressed the importance of maintaining stability during economic strain, condemning any attempts to destabilize the country through violent protests and looting. He affirmed that the nation should not be held hostage by criminal activities.
Additionally, the Deputy President announced the National Infrastructure Fund’s allocation of Sh350 billion for financing water, energy, and infrastructure projects in arid and semi-arid regions, including Tharaka, starting next year.
