NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has issued a raft of demands to President William Ruto in response to the sharp rise in fuel prices, escalating political pressure on the government amid growing public anger over the cost of living.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Wednesday, April 15, the opposition set a seven-day ultimatum, demanding that the concerns be addressed within that timeframe.
“William Ruto must immediately convene a special seating of Parliament within seven days to address the following urgent issues,” Rigathi Gachagua stated.
Gachagua called for the immediate cancellation of the Government-to-Government (G-to-G) petroleum import framework, alleging that it benefits “handpicked Oil Marketing Companies” tied to the President’s interests.
He demanded the resignation and prosecution of Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and Trade CS Lee Kinyanjui, accusing them of involvement in what he termed a “fuel scandal” and alleging they misled a National Assembly committee on April 13, 2026.
The former deputy president also urged the government to suspend the implementation of the National Infrastructure Fund and instead redirect proceeds from the sale of public stakes in Safaricom PLC and the Kenya Pipeline Corporation to cushion citizens from the economic shock triggered by the April fuel price hike.
On taxation, Gachagua outlined a series of relief measures he said were necessary to ease the burden on Kenyans.
These include suspending the Road Maintenance Levy, which was increased from KSh18 to KSh25 per litre, halting the Affordable Housing Levy, and stopping what he described as punitive NSSF deductions.
The DCP leader also called for the removal of VAT on fuel products.
The demands come as #RejectFuelPrices campaign is gathering momentum following the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority’s (EPRA) latest review triggering widespread public frustration and growing calls for street protests.
