Police express regret over Embu protest deaths as IPOA launches investigation

President Ruto's paraffin comments for boda boda riders spark public reaction amid fuel price hikes

President William Ruto announced that paraffin prices would remain unchanged despite recent fuel price increases, stating that the government has allocated KSh 6.5 billion and reduced VAT from 16% to 8% for three months to cushion citizens. He made these remarks while addressing residents in Suneka, hours after new fuel prices were announced. President Ruto specifically mentioned that the cost of paraffin, used by "ordinary Kenyans, including the boda boda riders and SACCOs," would not change. This statement drew reactions from Kenyans, as motorbikes typically run on petrol, not paraffin or kerosene. Some social media users expressed disbelief and questioned the President's understanding of how boda bodas are fueled. The President's comments followed a statement from United Alternative Government leaders, who linked him and other officials to a "fuel scandal" and demanded a reduction in VATs and a special parliamentary sitting to address fuel costs. President Ruto dismissed the idea that protests would help reduce fuel prices, advocating for strategic solutions instead.