Mwala Member of Parliament Vincent Musyoka addressing a meeting with UDA grassroots coordinators from Masinga Constituency at Kikuumini, hosted by Masinga MP Joshua Mwalyo on April 18, 2026. Photo Courtesy. 
By Andrew Mbuva.
Mwala Member of Parliament Vincent Musyoka has accused former President Uhuru Kenyatta of allegedly financing planned demonstrations over the rising cost of fuel, terming the move as hypocritical and politically motivated.
Speaking on Saturday during a meeting with UDA grassroots coordinators from Masinga Constituency at Kikuumini, hosted by Masinga MP Joshua Mwalyo, Kawaya defended the government against blame for high fuel prices, attributing the situation to global factors beyond Kenya’s control.
He cited ongoing geopolitical tensions involving the United States and Iran, noting that disruptions in global oil supply chains have forced longer transportation routes, ultimately driving up fuel costs worldwide.
“Fuel prices are not determined here in Kenya alone. Where the oil comes from, prices have gone up due to global tensions. Even transportation routes have become longer, and that affects the final cost,” Kawaya said.
The legislator lauded President William Ruto for what he described as relentless efforts to cushion Kenyans, including pushing for tax reforms such as the reduction of VAT on fuel from 16 percent to 8 percent.
He, however, took issue with critics of the current administration, particularly the former Head of State, accusing him of double standards.
Kawaya recalled that during Kenyatta’s tenure, fuel prices soared to as high as KSh230 per litre at the height of the Russia-Ukraine War, yet no demonstrations were allegedly mobilized against his government.
“At that time, Kenyatta himself asked whether he was in Ukraine when questioned about fuel prices. Today, President Ruto is being blamed, yet he is not in Iran either,” Kawaya argued.
He further claimed that Kenyatta had now resorted to sponsoring protests to undermine the current administration, despite having faced similar challenges while in office.
“Why organize demonstrations now when fuel is around KSh198, which is significantly lower than during the previous administration? Kenyans are not ignorant—they understand global events,” he said.
The MP also challenged critics to acknowledge government interventions that have eased the cost of living, including the reduction in fertilizer prices, questioning why there are no demonstrations to commend such efforts.
Kawaya maintained that the government remains committed to stabilizing fuel prices and expressed optimism that costs will decline further once global tensions ease.
“If the war ends and prices drop further, those blaming the government today should also come out and applaud the same leadership,” he added.
His remarks come ahead of planned nationwide protests over the rising cost of living, with political tensions continuing to mount over economic hardships facing ordinary Kenyans.
