馃嚢馃嚜KenyaEast Africa
President William Ruto defends Kenya's high fuel prices, citing infrastructure and economic status
via Tuko2 min read
President William Ruto has defended Kenya's high fuel prices, addressing public concerns over recent increases. Speaking at a church service in Karen, the president stated that the fuel costs reflect Kenya's status as a low- and middle-income country, distinguishing it from neighboring "least developed countries." Ruto attributed the higher prices to road maintenance levies, explaining that a significant portion of the cost funds road upkeep. He highlighted Kenya's extensive network of over 20,000 kilometers of tarmac roads, which he noted surpasses the combined networks of other East African countries like Uganda and Tanzania. The president clarified that fuel taxes are specifically allocated to transport infrastructure, aiming to boost the economy through improved connectivity, trade, and mobility. This defense comes after the Energy Petroleum Regulatory Authority EPRA released new fuel prices on April 14, showing Kenya with higher fuel costs compared to Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro criticized the price hikes, proposing measures such as removing a KSh 7 fuel levy and reducing VAT by 5% to lower prices by an estimated KSh 27.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Tuko.
Two men were killed during the Ol Kalou Constituency by-election on Thursday, July 16, after armed individuals reportedly stormed polling stations in Nyandarua county. Ol Kalou MP-elect Sammy Ngotho confirmed the deaths, identifying the victims as James Muigai Mwathi and Zachariah Gakinya Mukora. Ngotho stated that Gakinya, a truck driver and father of three, had returned home to vote but was beaten to death outside Huho-ini Polling Station. Ngotho criticized the government and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission for their silence on the incidents. Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia also expressed outrage, noting that the victims were exercising their democratic rights. Nyandarua Senator John Methu accused four leaders of complicity, alleging that vehicles, including a Prado, were used to transport armed men into Ol Kalou and that political office staff guided the attackers. Kiambaa MP John Njuguna Wanjiku, who was present at one of the affected areas, denied involvement in organizing the violence, stating he was checking on UDA mobilizers and agents and clearing a blocked road.
Must ReadInterior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has publicly challenged former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua to formally report to police the cases of 68 women he claimed were sexually assaulted by officers during the Ol Kalou by-election. Murkomen made these remarks on Saturday, July 18, at Tenwek High School in Bomet. Gachagua, who leads the Democracy for Citizens Party, had previously alleged that police sexually assaulted 68 women in Ol Kalou during the by-election. Murkomen demanded that Gachagua present the alleged victims to the nearest police station to record formal statements and enable prosecution, stating that playing politics with such serious allegations was unacceptable. He emphasized that the government would not shield perpetrators of gender-based violence but warned against using unverified claims for political gain. Murkomen's comments followed the ruling United Democratic Alliance's defeat in Ol Kalou, where Gachagua's party candidate secured a significant win. The CS concluded by cautioning against reckless public statements made during electoral competition.
Must ReadThe Law Society of Kenya LSK has directed all advocates across the country to immediately boycott court hearings, effective July 17, 2026. The directive includes a one-day nationwide boycott and an indefinite targeted boycott of specific courts and judges. The targeted action applies to judges and judicial officers who have obtained court orders to restrain disciplinary proceedings against them by the Judicial Service Commission JSC or the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission EACC. Advocates are instructed to refrain from participating in all court hearings and applications during the boycott, with limited exceptions for obtaining fresh hearing dates or extending existing interim orders. Document filing and statutory deadlines remain unaffected. The LSK has formally notified the Judiciary of the boycott to facilitate administrative arrangements. The targeted boycott extends to the Supreme Court of Kenya, as the LSK states that most Supreme Court judges remain in office due to court orders restraining the JSC from acting on complaints against them. Advocates encountering affected judges are to request matter transfers, recusal, or adjournments. Non-compliance by judges, judicial officers, or advocates is to be reported to the LSK for potential complaints to the JSC and further action.