'Different era, same struggle', Karua compares fuel prices under Moi and Ruto regimes

In a social media post reflecting on the country’s economic trajectory, Karua recalled the situation in June 1997 during the late President Moi’s administration, noting that fuel prices and the cost of living were already a major concern for Kenyans at the time.

“In June 1997, Moi was in power. Fuel prices and cost of living were high and our rights were under attack,” she stated.

“29 years later, different era, same struggle,” she added.

Karua argued that despite Kenya’s significant economic potential, the country has failed to break free from recurring governance challenges.

“Kenya is blessed with so much potential, we cannot remain trapped in an endless cycle of corruption, poor priorities and injustice,” she noted.

She further called for national unity and a shift in leadership, saying Kenyans must work towards electing leaders capable of addressing systemic challenges.

“We must unite and put in place leadership that can truly break this endless cycle of unnecessary misfortune,” she added.

Her remarks come after the recent fuel price increases announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), which raised Super Petrol and Diesel prices by Ksh.16.65 and Ksh.46.29 per litre respectively.

The latest review pushed the retail price of Super Petrol in Nairobi to Ksh.214.25 per litre, while Diesel rose to Ksh.242.92.

In comparison, average fuel prices in 1997 stood at Ksh.34.55 for Super Petrol, Ksh.27.30 for Diesel, and Ksh.20.85 for Kerosene, highlighting the significant long-term rise in the cost of petroleum products over the decades.