Kalonzo blames President Ruto, demands CS Wandayi's resignation over fuel hike crisis

In a strongly worded statement issued on Monday, Kalonzo blamed President William Ruto’s administration for what he described as a “calculated and foreseeable consequence” of poor governance and insensitive economic policies.

The Wiper leader criticised the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) over the May 14 fuel price review, which increased the price of diesel by Ksh 46.29 per litre and super petrol by Ksh 16.65 per litre.

According to Kalonzo, the increase was implemented “without consultation, without compassion, and without consideration” for Kenyans already struggling with the high cost of living.

He defended the ongoing strike by the Transport Sector Alliance, saying operators were justified in protesting against policies that had made it economically impossible to continue offering transport services.

“The paralysis that follows must be laid squarely at the feet of those who govern,” Kalonzo said, adding that the transport shutdown was a direct result of the government’s actions.

He warned that the economic impact of the strike was already being felt across the country, with disrupted supply chains, rising food prices, and slowed business operations in major towns and cities.

Kalonzo urged Wandayi to immediately reverse the fuel price hike and resign from office, saying such a move would demonstrate leadership and solidarity with suffering Kenyans.

"The Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Hon. Opiyo Wandayi, must take the most consequential act of his tenure and one that history and the people of Kenya will remember: immediately reverse the fuel price hike and RESIGN. If he possesses the courage to act for the people rather than for Ruto, let him do so now," said Kalozno 

He also called on President Ruto to initiate urgent dialogue with the Transport Sector Alliance to address their grievances and restore normalcy in the sector.

“Their grievances are real, their members are suffering, and stonewalling them is not governance; it is negligence,” he stated.

The opposition leader further demanded that the government provide a transparent and credible framework for stabilising fuel prices to shield ordinary Kenyans from abrupt increases.

Kalonzo said the opposition coalition, including the United Alternative Government, Wiper Patriotic Front, and Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party, would continue standing with Kenyans affected by the rising cost of living.

He accused the Ruto administration of abandoning wananchi through policies that continue to burden households and businesses nationwide.