Ruto Defends Fuel Subsidy, Rallies for Unity During Suneka Tour
Politics Updated: 15 April 2026 20:51 EAT
President William Samoei Ruto today during the Breaking Ground for Suneka Airstrip, Kisii County
President William Samoei Ruto on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, toured Suneka Constituency in Kisii County, where he addressed residents on the rising cost of fuel and the government’s intervention measures.
Speaking during the visit, the Head of State acknowledged the global nature of the fuel crisis, noting that Kenya was not immune to international market pressures. “We have accepted as government that fuel issues have increased everywhere in the world,” he said.
Ruto emphasized that despite the global challenges, Kenya had maintained stability in fuel supply compared to other countries experiencing shortages. “While other people are struggling to find dollars to find fuel...” he stated.
He attributed this stability to the government-to-government fuel import arrangement, saying it had insulated the country from supply shocks. “...we have enough fuel today; other countries have run out of fuel because they didn't have a plan, but because of the G2G arrangement, we have...” he explained.
The President added that the government had injected billions to cushion citizens from high prices. “...enough fuel in Kenya, and we have released 6 billion shillings of government money,” he said, outlining the scale of subsidy support.
Further, Ruto announced tax relief measures aimed at easing the burden on consumers. “We have also reduced VAT for three months; we are lowering VAT to 8% from 16%,” he revealed.
On kerosene, he said the government had taken deliberate steps to protect vulnerable households and small-scale operators. “The paraffin used by ordinary citizens and boda boda riders...” he began.
He assured that the price of kerosene would remain unchanged to cushion low-income earners. “...the price will remain the same as it has been, so that all citizens can...” he added.
The President concluded that these measures were intended to stabilize livelihoods and economic activity. “...cushion our citizens against the increase in fuel so that Kenya can move forward. Kenyans, hoye!” he declared to applause.
Ruto also dismissed calls for demonstrations over the rising cost of fuel, questioning their effectiveness in addressing the issue. “There are others who say that because fuel has increased and has increased globally, they want to hold demonstrations here in Kenya,” he said.
He challenged residents to consider practical solutions instead of protests. “I am asking you, if we demonstrate, will the price of fuel come down?” he posed.
The President urged citizens to adopt rational approaches to economic challenges. “It will come down? We must use our brains to reduce the cost of fuel...” he stated.
Beyond fuel concerns, Ruto shifted focus to development priorities in Kisii County, calling for continued support for government projects. “I am asking you, my brothers and sisters of Kisii, do you say we continue working?” he asked.
He listed key infrastructure projects that residents had demanded, including sports and transport facilities. “You are asking me to finish this stadium, to finish this one-billion stadium? You say...” he noted.
The President added that roads, markets, and electricity connectivity remained central to his administration’s agenda. “...I should build roads? You say I should build markets? Even this market of yours, it should be built. You say I should connect electricity?” he continued.
Ruto also called for political unity across party lines, urging leaders to prioritize national development over divisions. “UDA party, ODM party, and others, let us unite for broadband, let us unite Kenyans, because what is unity?” he said.
He emphasized that unity was essential for national progress. “Isn't unity strength? Where are they saying we should unite or we should separate?” he posed.
The President criticized leaders who had previously visited the area and engaged in what he termed divisive rhetoric. “You know there are some fellows who came here, and they were insulting us,” he said.
He warned against tribal politics and personal attacks, calling for respectful engagement. “...these people came here and insulted us. I want to ask those fellows to stop the insults,” he added.
Ruto further urged politicians to avoid incitement and divisive language among communities. “Stop tribalism and hatred. First, many of you don't even know how to talk about Simba, or me, or Usoro, or these other leaders,” he stated, referencing Simba Arati and other leaders.
He concluded by asserting that leaders should be judged by their development record rather than political rhetoric. “These citizens know us, and these citizens know us by the work we have done. They know the roads we have built. They know the market we have built. They know the electricity we have installed,” he said.
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FELIX MAKONA
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