Kindiki Bows Down To Pressure From Protests, Claims Government Might Reduce Fuel Prices

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has announced that the government may implement additional decisive interventions to lower fuel prices, but maintained that the state will not succumb to intimidation from violent protests.

The Second-in-Command spoke on Monday, May 18, 2026, in Tharaka Constituency, following chaotic nationwide demonstrations orchestrated by matatu operators. The protests, triggered by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority’s (EPRA) May 14 price hike, have left several people dead, dozens injured, and businesses looted.

Geopolitical Tensions Blamed for Price Spikes

Defending the administration against claims of local mismanagement, Kindiki attributed the energy crisis to escalating geopolitical warfare between Iran, Israel, and the United States. He noted that the conflict has severely disrupted global supply chains.

“The government has taken measures to mitigate against the unprecedented spike in global fuel prices occasioned by the US/Israel-Iran war,” Kindiki explained. “With the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, ships are taking longer routes and insurance costs have soared to record highs. The government has already reduced VAT on fuel from 16% to 8%, while 12 billion shillings from the fuel stabilisation fund have been applied to manage prices; otherwise, the prices would have shot to 300 shillings per litre by now.”

Ruto Orders Crisis Interministerial Talks

To defuse the transport paralysis that has stranded thousands of citizens and forced schools to close, the Deputy President revealed that President William Ruto has directed an immediate interministerial intervention.

The Cabinet Secretaries for the National Treasury, Energy, Transport, and Interior have been ordered to jointly engage transport stakeholders to establish immediate fiscal remedies and restore normalcy to the roads.

Stern Warning to Arsonists and Political Inciters

Despite hinting at further price reliefs, Kindiki issued a stern warning to opposition figures and protest organizers, emphasizing that public disorder would not dictate government policy.

Condemning the acts of arson, looting, and highway blockades that have characterized the past 48 hours—including the torching of commercial vehicles—the DP warned that the state would heavily punish criminals exploiting the situation.

“We will firmly deal with criminal acts of arson, obstruction of traffic, looting of property, and robbery of motorists disguised as demonstrations,” Kindiki stated, cautioning political actors against inciting public unrest for selfish mileage.