Gachagua Responds to Fuel Price Hike, Shortens UK Visit

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has broken his silence after the latest increase in fuel prices, saying the sharp rise will push many Kenyans into deeper economic hardship.

Speaking at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Friday night, May 15, 2026, before departing for London, the DCP party leader said he had decided to cut short his planned one-month trip to the United Kingdom due to the crisis facing Kenyans.

“I was supposed to go for one month in the United Kingdom for a series of activities, but I have to cut short. I will only stay for five to six days because we cannot leave the country when the people of Kenya are in trouble,” Gachagua said.

Gachagua Accuses Government of Profiting From High Fuel Prices

Gachagua, who was flanked by several politicians allied to him, said he would now stay in London for only five to six days before returning to Kenya.

His remarks came a day after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced new fuel prices.

Under the new prices, Super Petrol increased by Ksh 16.65 to retail at Ksh 214.25 per litre, while Diesel rose by Ksh 46.29 to a record Ksh 242.92 per litre.

Also Read: Why Rigathi Gachagua Is Set to Travel to the UK

Gachagua warned that the increase would affect transport fares, food prices, manufacturing costs and the general cost of living.

“Starting tomorrow, matatus will increase fares, buses will increase fares and consumer products will go up because many industries use diesel,” he said.

He claimed the fuel crisis had nothing to do with global oil prices or international conflicts, but was instead caused by what he termed “state capture and conflict of interest.”

The DCP party leader accused President William Ruto and fuel importer Gulf Energy of making excessive profits from fuel importation.

Gachagua compared Kenya’s fuel prices with neighbouring countries, saying Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania and Ethiopia were selling fuel at lower prices despite importing from the same region.

According to him, petrol in Uganda was retailing at Ksh 188 per litre, while diesel was at Ksh 181 per litre. He claimed Rwanda’s petrol price stood at Ksh 175 and diesel at Ksh 171, while Tanzania’s petrol price was Ksh 204 and diesel Ksh 210.

He also criticised the government-to-government fuel importation arrangement, saying it had failed to lower prices for Kenyans.

DCP Party Leader Hints at Mass Action Over Fuel Price Hikes

The former Deputy President further alleged that the government had allowed the importation of low-quality fuel with high sulphur content, warning that it could damage vehicle engines in the long term.

Gachagua additionally claimed that profits from the fuel business were being used to finance the purchase of oil assets in Turkana through Gulf Energy.

Also Read: Gachagua Reveals Why He Told Sifuna to Stop Flying in Choppers

He urged residents of Turkana to reject any arrangement that would deny local communities benefits from oil resources.

The opposition leader said he had already consulted other opposition figures, including Fred Matiang’i, Kalonzo Musyoka and Eugene Wamalwa, and announced plans for a virtual meeting to discuss the way forward.

Gachagua hinted that the opposition could organise nationwide protests or mass action if the fuel issue is not addressed.

“If we have to take to the streets, so be it,” he said.

However, he maintained that any future demonstrations would only happen if there was a clear plan and expected outcome.

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