🇰🇪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.
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Nairobi's customer service chief officer, Geoffrey Mosiria, has been lauded by Kenyans for his compassionate actions in transforming the life of Martha Njoki. Mosiria rescued Njoki from the streets several months ago, where she was battling depression and substance abuse. He recently shared photos of her remarkable transformation, noting that some initially viewed his efforts as a public relations stunt. Mosiria emphasized that he saw a human being in need of a second chance, despite others perceiving her as dirty and unwell. He expressed delight that Njoki has reformed and has been reunited with her children, whom she had not seen for seven years and who believed she had died. Mosiria thanked the Rapid Rehabilitation Centre for Addiction for their role in Njoki's recovery and urged Kenyans to show compassion to those in need, stating that choosing compassion over judgment can change lives.
A family in Kiminini, Trans Nzoia, is seeking government assistance to repatriate the body of Mohamed Ali Abdi, who reportedly died in Cambodia in October 2025. The family stated they received conflicting reports regarding Abdi's death and an alleged cremation. His mother, Halima Abdi, mentioned they were unaware he had traveled to Cambodia until news of his death. A neighbor, Peter Wanyonyi, noted that while they initially heard of his cremation and held a ceremony, they were later informed his body was not cremated and the challenge was the repatriation fee. The family received an email in January 2026, reportedly from the Kenyan Embassy, requesting KSh 1.5 million for the repatriation. They are appealing to President William Ruto to help bring Abdi's body back for burial, also asking for an explanation of his presence in Cambodia. This incident occurs amidst reports of Kenyans being lured overseas for jobs and subsequently facing tragic circumstances.
Must ReadLucky Odhiambo, a 25-year-old man arrested on April 14 for allegedly kidnapping the 17-year-old daughter of a senior police officer and demanding a KSh 200,000 ransom, was found dead in a Malindi police cell on April 17. Authorities claim Odhiambo took his own life using clothes. However, human rights activists, including Walid Sketty of Vocal Africa and Victor Kaudo of Malindi, dispute this, suggesting foul play and alleging Odhiambo was hit by a sharp object. Sketty criticized the police's explanation, questioning the lack of CCTV evidence and highlighting a trend of deaths in police custody. The activists have urged Odhiambo's family to come forward to seek justice, with Vocal Africa and the Malindi Community Human Rights Centre following up on the case. Odhiambo's body was taken to Malindi Sub-County Hospital Funeral Home for a postmortem examination as police launched an investigation into the incident.
Must ReadThe Akamba community has initiated a landmark legal battle against the Government of the United Kingdom, seeking restitution, land restitution, and a formal apology for colonial injustices. Augustus Kyalo Muli, National Patron of the Anzauni Clan and party Leader of the National Liberal Party, is spearheading the case. The lawsuit alleges that British colonial authorities dispossessed the Akamba of fertile lands, seized cattle, outlawed cultural practices, and confined them to semi-arid regions, leading to impoverishment and political marginalization. Muli states that the approximately five million Akamba continue to suffer economic and political consequences from these policies, with many elders in Makueni reportedly still living in shacks after eviction from ancestral lands. The legal team includes Leigh Day Solicitors of London, Bosek & Co. Advocates of Kenya, and the Kenya Human Rights Commission. Evidence presented includes District Commissioner reports, Hansard records from 1938, recent court findings, and petitions. The claim cites international conventions and precedents, such as the ILO Forced Labour Convention of 1930 and the African Court’s ruling in Ogiek v Kenya 2022. The Akamba community is seeking a formal apology from the UK Parliament, a compensation fund for five million people, restitution of alienated Crown Lands starting with 5,048 acres in Makueni, cultural restoration including the legalization of kaluvu and repatriation of artifacts, and a development