Broken Promises: President Ruto's 'Tied Hands' Amid Soaring Fuel Prices Sparks Outrage

"My hands are tied." This was President Ruto's response when asked about the rise in fuel prices in the country.

During a parliamentary group meeting summoned by President William Ruto and graced by the presence of more than 200 Members of Parliament, the central focus was on the prevailing high cost of living, primarily attributed to the escalating fuel prices in the nation.

Leaders in the meeting raised concerns over the prevailing rise of fuel prices which is in turn making the lives of many Kenyans hard.

The president's response to these questions has shocked Kenyans. The Head of State said that the issue is not making him lose sleep because his hands are tied.

This, however, contradicts his manifesto during his campaign, where Ruto said that when he is elected as the president, he would work to improve the cost of living in the country by reducing fuel prices.

Less than two years later in government, the cost of living has not improved. In fact, the fuel prices, since Ruto's government was elected, have been going up.

“Tanzania as we speak prices are going down while in Kenya the prices are going up,” said an MP.

In the meeting, Energy Cabinet Secretary, David Chirchir was quizzed concerning the rise of fuel prices compared to neighbouring countries like Tanzania whose fuel prices are going down.

“The product in Tanzania or Uganda will not be cheaper than Kenya on account of freight and premium it will be because of taxes. We will always be lower on freight and premium and that's why I said we need a wider scope of time to discuss and take members through what was negotiated.” Chirchir said, in response to the MP's question.

The Ministry of Energy has also attributed the rise in fuel prices with our neighbours to the dollar exchange rate which has seen their currencies gain compared to the Kenyan shilling. 

Kenya Kwanza Members of Parliament (MPs) are scheduled to convene for a Parliamentary Group meeting next week, where they will address the persistent issue of rising fuel costs, which continues to burden Kenyan citizens.