Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto of allegedly planning to use increased fuel prices to raise funds for political bribery ahead of the 2027 General Election. In a statement, Gachagua claimed that the President had directed an increase of KSh 12 per litre of petrol and KSh 9 per litre of diesel, alleging that the additional revenue would be used to influence voters. He further claimed that the money would be channelled through Gulf Energy but did not provide evidence to support the allegations.
Gachagua Links Fuel Prices to Political Pressure
The former Deputy President accused Ruto of turning to financial inducements to win back public support as dissatisfaction with the government’s performance allegedly grows. Gachagua attributed the claimed decline in the President’s popularity to concerns over the economy, governance and security.
He also cited public complaints about alleged abductions, extrajudicial killings, corruption and what he described as unsuccessful government policies. According to Gachagua, Kenyans are increasingly demanding money during the President’s public engagements, including in the Rift Valley, which has traditionally been a key political support base for Ruto. However, the allegations about the intended use of additional fuel revenue have not been independently verified.
Gachagua Questions Government’s Explanation for Fuel Prices
Gachagua also alleged that Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi had been instructed to defend the anticipated fuel price increases by attributing them to fluctuations in international oil prices. He rejected the explanation he claimed the government would offer, insisting that the proposed adjustments were politically motivated rather than driven by market conditions.
The former Deputy President maintained that the additional money would be used to influence voters as political competition intensifies ahead of the next General Election. He also suggested that Ruto was becoming increasingly concerned about his political future as the August 2027 elections approach.
Fuel Price Review Draws Attention
Gachagua’s remarks come ahead of the latest monthly fuel price review by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA). Under the previous pricing cycle, which ran from September 15 to October 14, super petrol retailed at KSh 214.03 per litre in Nairobi. Diesel sold at KSh 217.86 per litre, while kerosene retailed at KSh 191.38 per litre. The proposed increases cited by Gachagua would add to the cost of petroleum products if implemented at the stated levels. Fuel prices are closely watched because changes in petroleum costs can affect transport fares, the movement of goods and the cost of living for households.
Previous Criticism of Petroleum Import Arrangements
The latest accusations follow earlier criticism by Gachagua of the government’s petroleum importation arrangements, particularly the government-to-government fuel deal and Gulf Energy’s involvement. His latest statement has placed the proposed fuel price adjustments and their potential political implications at the centre of the debate. However, Gachagua’s claims that the increases are intended to finance political bribery remain unsubstantiated. The allegations should therefore be distinguished from verified information about fuel pricing and the government’s petroleum arrangements.
