Opposition Issues 7-Day Ultimatum to Ruto Over Fuel Price Hike
The United Alternative Government opposition has issued a seven-day ultimatum to President William Ruto over the recent surge in fuel prices, placing the Head of State at the centre of fuel scandal.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, the opposition also cited Chief of Staff Felix Koskei, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, and Senate Energy Committee Chairperson Oburu Odinga as key figures in the matter.
The opposition alleged that Oburu Odinga is a beneficial owner of BE Energy, a local oil marketing company said to be a nominee of international oil companies under the government-to-government (G-to-G) petroleum supply framework.
“With the crisis in the Middle East brought about by the conflict between the United States and Iran, Mr. William Ruto saw a business opportunity to exploit Kenyans,” the statement read, also referencing past controversies, including the 2009 maize importation saga.
The group claimed that the recent fuel price adjustments—an increase of Sh28.69 per litre for super petrol and Sh40.30 per litre for diesel—represent the highest rise since Kenya’s independence.
They further alleged that the President stands to benefit from the increases, claiming a profit of Sh5 per litre from an estimated 500 million litres to be supplied for regional consumption.
“Following the price adjustments, Mr. William Ruto will earn a profit of Sh5 per litre, translating to Sh5 billion,” the statement claimed.
Demands to Government
The opposition has called on President Ruto to convene a special sitting of Parliament within seven days to address what it termed urgent issues affecting Kenyans.
Among the demands are: cancellation of the Government-to-Government petroleum supply framework, which they allege involves handpicked oil marketing companies linked to the President’s interests; mmediate resignation and prosecution of Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi and Investment, Trade and Industry CS Lee Kinyanjui over the alleged fuel scandal and claims of misleading a National Assembly committee on April 13, 2026; and suspension of the National Infrastructure Fund and redirection of proceeds from the sale of equity in Safaricom PLC and Kenya Pipeline Corporation to cushion citizens from rising costs.
The opposition also called for the suspension of several levies, including: the Road Maintenance Levy, which was increased from Sh18 to Sh25 per litre; the Affordable Housing Levy; and increased National Social Security Fund (NSSF) deductions, which they described as punitive.
Additionally, they demanded the removal of Value Added Tax (VAT) on fuel products to ease the cost of living.
The opposition maintained that the rising fuel costs are already impacting multiple sectors of the economy, warning that Kenyans will continue to bear the burden if urgent action is not taken.