‘Get ready for maandamano!’ MP Babu Owino rallies Kenyans amid fuel price hike

Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has called for nationwide protests over the latest increase in fuel prices, warning that Kenyans must prepare for mass action as the cost of living continues to rise.

Speaking in response to the new pump prices announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) on Tuesday, the legislator accused the government of burdening citizens and failing to address the economic strain facing households.

“The government does not respect its citizens…we, as leaders, cannot sit and watch the oppressors – who are the government – frustrate Kenyan citizens. I want to tell Kenyans that increasing fuel prices means an increase in cost of living,” he said.

“The transport cost is going to increase…and the cost of food is definitely going to increase in our nation. The disposable income for a normal Kenyan is not going to be increase, therefore these Kenyans are going to be overburdened. Why should the government treat her citizens with contempt?”

The outspoken lawmaker further escalated his remarks, urging Kenyans to brace for demonstrations across all parts of the country.

“We want to tell Kenyans that we have a very dishonest regime; a government that is based on lies, we can never trust them. We want to warn this government that when this skyrocketing price of fuel is implemented…this is the right time to call for maandamano. Because Kenyans are already suffering, ao if you don’t embrace maandamano, you will continue suffering. This is not how to run a government; even a kiosk is run in a better way,” he said.

“The timeframe (for maandamano) we’re going to communicate. The moment we give an ultimatum, it must be implemented. So Kenyans be ready from wherever you are. These fuel prices do not affect those supporting ‘wantam’ alone, even those in ‘tutam’ cannot buy fuel anywhere at a cheaper price.”

His remarks come in the wake of the latest fuel price review by EPRA, which saw a sharp increase in the cost of petroleum products for the period between April 15 and May 14, 2026.

Under the new pricing, the cost of Super Petrol and Diesel rose by Ksh.28.69 and Ksh.40.30 per litre respectively, while Kerosene prices remained unchanged.

In Nairobi, Super Petrol now retails at Ksh.206.87 per litre, Diesel at Ksh.206.84, and Kerosene at Ksh.152.78.

EPRA attributed the increase to rising international petroleum prices, exchange rate pressures, and applicable taxes, noting that global market volatility continues to influence local fuel costs.

The regulator added that the government has implemented measures to cushion consumers, including a reduction in VAT from 16 per cent to 13 per cent and the use of the Petroleum Development Levy to stabilise prices.

Despite these interventions, the latest price hike is expected to ripple across the economy, with transport and food costs likely to rise, concerns that now appear to be fuelling political pressure from the opposition.

President William Ruto has since defended the hike in fuel prices, saying the government was forced to pay out Ksh.6.5 billion to cushion Kenyans against exorbitant fuel prices, as witnessed in several countries across the globe.

The President, while speaking in South Mugirango Constituency in Kisii County as he wound up his four-day tour of the Gusii region, maintained that many countries have run out of petroleum products owing to what is currently happening in the Middle East.

“We have had issues of war in the Middle East and the price of fuel is high everywhere, but in Kenya, tumepanga vizuri kuhakikisha kuwa ile bei ambayo ingeruka juu sana, tumeifanyia moderation,” he said.

“Tumetoa pesa ya serikali Ksh.6.5 billion kuleta subsidy; we have brought down VAT to ensure we moderate the fuel.”

The President further announced that the government will reduce fuel VAT from 16 per cent to 8 per cent for the next three months to cushion consumers during the current phase.