NAIROBI, Kenya- Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has intensified attacks on the government-to-government (G-to-G) fuel importation deal, saying the arrangement has failed to protect Kenyans from soaring fuel prices as initially promised.
Speaking during a media briefing before departing for the United Kingdom, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader termed the fuel import framework a “fraud”, accusing the Kenya Kwanza administration of misleading Kenyans on the benefits of the deal.
Gachagua argued that the G-to-G arrangement was introduced to stabilise fuel prices and shield consumers from sudden market shocks, but instead, Kenyans continue to grapple with painful increases at the pump.
“We were told that it is supposed to regulate prices and cushion Kenyans from sporadic changes in pricing systems but the price keeps going higher,” Gachagua said.
The former deputy president questioned why neighbouring countries importing fuel from the same Middle East suppliers were recording lower fuel prices compared to Kenya.
He alleged that politically connected business interests were benefiting from the arrangement while ordinary wananchi suffered under the high cost of living.
His remarks come amid growing political pressure over rising fuel costs, with opposition leaders demanding a review of the G-to-G deal and warning of possible protests if pump prices continue rising.
However, the government has consistently defended the programme, insisting it has helped stabilise fuel supply and reduce pressure on the Kenyan shilling by allowing direct procurement from Gulf oil firms.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura recently said the arrangement was designed to eliminate exploitative middlemen and bring predictability to the petroleum market.
President William Ruto has also dismissed threats of protests over fuel prices, maintaining that demonstrations will not lower the cost of petroleum products.
