UDA Accuses Opposition of Politicising Fuel Crisis as Transport Disruptions Bite

The ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has accused opposition leaders of taking advantage of the ongoing fuel crisis and public transport disruptions to stir public anger against President William Ruto’s administration.

Speaking during a press briefing on Tuesday, UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar defended the government, saying the spike in fuel prices and the transport challenges facing Kenyans were a result of global geopolitical tensions rather than failures in local policy.

Omar linked the crisis to disruptions in international oil supply chains caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, arguing that the instability had pushed up crude oil prices, freight charges, insurance premiums and import costs.

He maintained that government interventions had helped cushion Kenyans from even steeper fuel costs, warning that prices could have risen beyond manageable levels without measures put in place by the state.In a move aimed at easing pressure from public transport operators, Omar announced a reduction in diesel prices by Sh10.06 per litre for the period running from May 19 to June 14, 2026, saying the decision was part of broader efforts to calm tensions in the transport sector.

He added that President Ruto had directed officials from the Treasury, Energy and Transport ministries to urgently engage stakeholders in search of a long-term solution to the crisis.At the same time, UDA cautioned against violence, vandalism and looting during demonstrations linked to the fuel crisis, insisting that criminal acts would be handled in accordance with the law.

The party also condemned the killing of Rachel Wandeto Muthoni, terming it a barbaric act and blaming growing political intolerance on divisive politics.“No Kenyan should be targeted because of their political views,” Omar said.