Calls mount on government to address fuel hike crisis as pressure grows

Calls are mounting on the government to urgently address the escalating fuel crisis as pressure grows from political leaders, transport operators, and ordinary Kenyans struggling with the rising cost of living. National Liberal Party (NLP) leader Augustus Muli has joined the growing chorus demanding immediate intervention, backing peaceful demonstrations by Gen Z and other Kenyans calling for accountability over soaring fuel prices. In a statement issued on Monday, Muli said millions of Kenyan families and small businesses were being pushed to the brink by the rising cost of petroleum products, warning that the continued increase in fuel prices was having a devastating effect on livelihoods and the economy. “As a businessman and party leader, I see this daily. I stand with Kenyans demanding answers,” he said. The NLP leader defended the constitutional right of citizens to engage in peaceful demonstrations, saying the party fully supports lawful protests aimed at pressuring the government to address the high cost of living. Muli called on the government to tackle what he described as the root causes of the crisis, including excessive taxation on fuel, inefficiencies in the energy sector, and lack of transparency in fuel pricing. Among the proposals put forward by the party are the immediate publication of the fuel pricing formula and a 90-day suspension of VAT on petroleum products to ease pressure on consumers. According to Muli, Kenya remains among the countries where taxes account for a significant portion of the pump price, despite global oil price shocks affecting many economies worldwide. He argued that countries such as Ghana, Tanzania, and Uganda have implemented measures including tax cuts, subsidies, and strategic fuel reserve interventions to cushion citizens from high fuel costs. The NLP leader further demanded that the government convene an urgent multi-stakeholder forum within seven days to deliberate on the fuel crisis and develop sustainable solutions. He said the forum should bring together Gen Z representatives, transport operators, labour unions, energy experts, and political party leaders from across the political divide. “The people cannot keep waiting while costs rise daily,” Muli stated. At the same time, he appealed for calm ahead of planned demonstrations, urging both protesters and security agencies to ensure protests remain peaceful and respectful of life and property. He also condemned any attempts to infiltrate demonstrations with violence or looting, insisting that the country needs practical solutions rather than political rhetoric.