What You Need to Know
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has condemned the United Opposition for politicizing the recent fuel price hikes, attributing the issue to the ongoing war in Iran. He emphasized that the government is taking steps to manage fuel prices, including a reduction in VAT. Kindiki urged the opposition to focus on development rather than insults, asserting that healthy competition in development is key.
Africa-Press – Kenya. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has slammed the United Opposition for politicising the hike in fuel prices. Speaking at Uwanja wa Moto in Kisurutini, Rabai constituency, on Thursday, Kindiki said the escalation of prices has nothing to do with the government and everything to do with the war in Iran.
“Do not politicise international issues,” Kindiki said. Kindiki said the problems of escalation of fuel prices due to ongoing war cannot be resolved by inciting lawlessness and disorder.
The United Opposition led by former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua has threatened to mobilise demonstrations across the country to protest the fuel hike.
The war in Iran has affected the Strait of Hormuz, a key route through which oil from the Middle East is transported to other parts of the world. This has forced some countries to use alternative longer routes to transport their oil.
“Many countries are struggling to manage the situation. Yesterday, President Ruto announced that prices will be lowered by between Sh8 and Sh10.
“This is because he has ordered the reduction of VAT on oil from 16 percent to 8 percent to make sure that we manage and contain the prices of fuel to cushion Kenyans,” Kindiki said. He noted the president has further called another meeting with key stakeholders to discuss how to reduce the prices further.
“We have a program in place. The solution to fuel prices is not maandamano. What will help are the steps taken by President Ruto,” Kindiki said, adding that more measures will be taken.
He said the United Opposition are busy roaming around the country singing “One Term,” yet there are places they have never stepped in in Kenya since they became leaders.
“Those people roaming around do not know where Misufini is. Do they know where Tezo is? Gandani? Kisurutini? How can they benefit you if they don’t know these places?” he asked the people of Rabai.
He told the opposition to focus on development instead of insulting other leaders. “Instead of looking for development for their people, they are busy insulting others. That is not their work. Bure kabisa,” Kindiki said.
He said the United Opposition cannot compete with President Ruto and the UDA brigade, saying they are wasting their time and resources. “Our politics is development politics. You cannot compete with those who work for the people. Those who compete with us do not bring roads, water, or electricity. They do not do harambees for churches and schools.
“Stop politics of insults. Let’s compete on development,” Kindiki said. He said in the development race, if the government builds 20 markets, the United Opposition should build 40.
Likewise, if the government tarmacs 45 km of roads, the United Opposition should tarmac 90 km. That way, he said, the people of Kenya will benefit from the healthy competition.
“But if you insist on insulting leaders, and yet you were holding big offices in the government at one time but failed to do anything for the people of Kenya, what then are you telling us?” Kindiki said.
He claimed Gachagua never stepped in Rabai while he was DP and so cannot help the people of Rabai in any way. He said while busy working for the people of Kenya, President William Ruto has little time for rhetoric.
“They cannot compete with President William Ruto and Fireman. You do one rally, wait for a press conference, and expect to beat us?
“Anyone who has no benefit should not lie to you!” Kindiki told the people of Rabai.
He said although the economic situation at the moment is not what the Kenya Kwanza government wanted, they are working hard to push it to where they need it to be.
“Those conmen who have no agenda, who think they will incite Kenyans, are wasting their time. The people of Kenya are too clever for you. They see through you,” Kindiki said.
The political landscape in Kenya has been marked by tensions between the government and opposition parties, particularly regarding economic issues like fuel prices. The recent conflict in Iran has exacerbated global oil supply challenges, impacting prices locally. This situation has led to increased scrutiny of government policies and opposition responses, highlighting the ongoing struggle for political influence in the country. The dynamics of political discourse often shift in response to such international events, influencing local governance and public sentiment.
