Wandayi Fires Back at Gachagua Over Claims of Planned Fuel Price Hikes
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi launched a sharp counterattack against Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader Rigathi Gachagua following his allegations that the government intended to artificially inflate pump prices.
Speaking on Wednesday, October 14, during a campaign tour with President William Ruto in West Pokot County, CS Wandayi directly addressed Gachagua’s claims regarding the latest monthly pricing review by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA). While refraining from predicting whether pump prices would shift upward or downward, Wandayi defended EPRA’s statutory mandate, maintaining that Kenya’s fuel pricing follows legal guidelines rather than political dictates.
“Let me tell you, Mr Wamunyoro. There is nothing that you know regarding fuel prices in this country because you were a one-term MP. Fuel prices are managed independently by EPRA and not individuals within government,” Wandayi stated.
Allegations of Political Bribery and Price Manipulation
Wandayi’s response follows explosive claims made earlier on Wednesday by Gachagua, who accused President William Ruto of planning to push petrol prices up by Ksh12 per litre and diesel by Ksh9 per litre.
Gachagua asserted that the alleged price adjustments aimed to raise funds for political inducement ahead of the 2027 General Election, alleging that Gulf Energy would process the resulting funds. He offered no evidence to support these assertions.
The former deputy president claimed President Ruto is turning to financial inducements after encountering growing public resistance over economic management, governance, and security issues across the country.
Gachagua also claimed the administration directed CS Wandayi to publicly attribute any impending increase to international oil price fluctuations. Dismissing that potential rationale as misleading, Gachagua insisted the price changes stem purely from political motivations.
“The extra cash is for bribing voters,” Gachagua claimed.
External Market Dynamics and Counter-Accusations
Rebutting the accusations, CS Wandayi clarified that Kenya continues to secure steady petroleum supplies despite ongoing Middle East conflicts that exert pressure on global oil markets and maritime freight rates. He reiterated that EPRA operates as an independent regulator under Kenya’s established petroleum pricing laws, insulated from ministerial directives.
Turning the tables, Wandayi leveled corruption allegations against Gachagua, accusing the former deputy president of past misconduct involving energy sector players.
“When you were the Deputy President, you were demanding bribes from petroleum companies; therefore, you cannot have any say in matters of fuel prices in this country,” Wandayi said.
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