By Bonface Mulyungi

Orange Democratic Movement leader Oburu Odinga has said the party is engaging the government at the highest level in a bid to cushion Kenyans from soaring fuel prices and the rising cost of living.

In a statement following a series of political events in Nyakach and a Luo Nyanza delegates’ meeting in Kisumu, Oburu acknowledged the growing economic pressure facing households across the country, saying ODM was pushing for urgent intervention.

“We deeply feel the weight of the current cost of living. The continuous hike in fuel prices is a heavy burden on every household,” he said.

Kenyans are facing renewed pressure on the cost of living after a recent increase in fuel prices pushed up the cost of petrol and diesel, prompting concern among households, businesses and players in the transport sector over possible wider economic effects.

The government increased retail prices for a litre of diesel and super petrol by Sh46.29 and Sh16.65, respectively.

In a statement released on Thursday, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) said Kerosene prices will remain unchanged during the period under review for the pricing cycle running from May 15 to June 14, 2026.

For transport operators, the impact has been immediate. Driver Solomon Kinuthia, who works as a driver in Nairobi, says the rising fuel costs are making daily operations more difficult and are forcing constant changes in earnings and planning.

“Na sasa hii pande ya mafuta inatupeleka mbio, mbio zaidi”, he said.

“Last month tuliongezewa 30 bob, 30 bob times 40, mimi natumia lita 40 kila siku, hiyo ni elfu moja mia mbili. Baada ya mwezi moja tunaongezewa 46 times 40, hiyo ni karibu elfu 1,800.”

He added that the increased costs are reducing already narrow margins and are leading to discussions between operators and vehicle owners on fares.

“Sasa hata wadosi nawauliza kwa heshima wajue kama ni pesa watatupunguzia, ama ni abiria tutawaongezea fare juu hata sisi tupate kitu,” he said.

Oburu revealed that the party had formally raised the matter within government through Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi and pledged continued engagement with President William Ruto to seek immediate relief measures.

“Please know that we are fighting for you in the highest rooms. We have formally raised this critical issue within the government through Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, and I will continue to engage the President directly to find immediate ways to cushion all citizens,” he stated.

While speaking during an Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) rally at Urudi Primary School grounds in Nyakach on Saturday, Mbadi said the government is considering fresh interventions to cushion Kenyans from soaring fuel prices, as the cost of petroleum products continues to pile pressure on households and businesses across the country.

The CS said the government was exploring additional measures, including further tax adjustments and fuel stabilisation programmes, to ease the burden on consumers.

Mbadi revealed that the state had already spent billions of shillings in recent months to cushion Kenyans from the global fuel price shock but admitted that the interventions had not fully tamed the rising costs.

“We have a problem in the Middle East, which has caused scarcity of fuel, and the prices of fuel have gone up. Last month we tried very hard and used Sh. 6.2 billion to stabilise the prices of fuel. And we reduced VAT by eight per cent,” said Mbadi.

“This month we again added another Sh5 billion to steady the prices of fuel. But they are still high,” he added.

Mbadi said the Treasury would engage President William Ruto on possible options, aimed at lowering the cost of petroleum products.

“What we are going to do is sit down with the President, to make sure that whatever it takes, we try to lower the prices of petroleum products so that our people can find peace and should not suffer because of rising prices,” he said.

Mbadi defended the government against criticism over the escalating fuel costs, arguing that the crisis was global and not unique to Kenya.

He pointed to the United States, one of the world’s largest oil producers, saying fuel prices there had also surged sharply.

“Even in the United States, where they produce fuel, the prices of fuel and petroleum products have gone up by 60 per cent. Everywhere in the world the prices have gone up. But here at home we must do whatever it takes,” he added.

The ODM leader spoke after what he described as a successful three-day political mobilisation drive across Nyakach and Kisumu County that culminated in a delegates’ meeting in Kisumu.

He thanked residents and party supporters for what he termed a warm reception and praised ODM leaders and members for making the events successful.

Oburu also rallied party supporters ahead of another meeting scheduled for May 31 in Kisumu, where ODM plans to discuss jobs, devolution and economic opportunities for members.

“Our unwavering focus remains on delivering tangible progress. Let us meet in Kisumu on the 31st of May to discuss how this strategic collaboration will unlock jobs, protect devolution, and create sustainable opportunities for our members,” he said.

He concluded by reaffirming ODM’s political ambitions, declaring, “ODM is the party of the future! Tuko Tayari.”