By Andrew Kariuki

Edwin Sifuna has criticized the government over the latest fuel price increases, accusing President William Ruto’s administration of repeatedly burdening Kenyans before introducing temporary relief measures.

Reacting to the latest review by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), Sifuna argued that fuel pricing reviews are predictable monthly events and questioned why the government continues to wait until after increasing prices before attempting to cushion citizens.

“Fuel pricing is a predictable monthly event. Every single month, we know the price will be reviewed. Shouldn’t you protect Kenyans when conducting the review in the first instance?” Sifuna stated.

The Nairobi Senator further accused the government of creating unnecessary suffering for ordinary Kenyans through sudden increases before later introducing relief measures funded by taxpayers.

“We are seeing a pattern here where Kasongo throws us pain first, then reconvenes to give us panadol,” he added.

His remarks come amid growing public anger following the latest EPRA review which saw the price of Super Petrol rise by Ksh16 per litre and Diesel increase by more than Ksh46 in some areas, triggering protests and nationwide matatu strike threats.

The government has maintained that the increases were largely influenced by global oil market disruptions linked to the ongoing tensions involving Iran and international supply chains.

Treasury CS John Mbadi has defended the government, arguing that Kenya cannot fully shield itself from global economic shocks, while also insisting that part of the fuel costs had already been cushioned through subsidies under the Petroleum Development Levy Fund.

However, opposition leaders and critics continue to argue that the government’s tax policies and handling of fuel pricing have worsened the cost of living crisis facing millions of Kenyans.