Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has directly accused William Ruto of being at the centre of what he described as a multi-billion shilling fuel scandal, linking the recent spike in pump prices to alleged manipulation within the government’s fuel import system.
Speaking on behalf of the United Opposition, Gachagua claimed the situation goes beyond global oil price pressures, insisting it is the result of deliberate interference in the Government-to-Government (G-to-G) fuel framework.
“The team leader of this oil scandal is William Ruto,” Gachagua said, adding that senior state officials Felix Kosgei and Opiyo Wandayi were involved in the alleged scheme.
He alleged that disruptions in global supply linked to Middle East tensions triggered a delivery default under the G-to-G arrangement, forcing the government to activate emergency procurement measures. However, he argued that the process was later compromised.
“What is being hidden from the public are the real culprits of this scandal,” he said, claiming Kenyans are being shielded from the truth behind the price hikes.
According to the opposition coalition, emergency tenders were initially awarded to firms that met the required technical and pricing conditions. But Gachagua alleges that Gulf Energy, allegedly linked to President Ruto was introduced into the supply chain after the process had already been concluded.
“In the so-called G2G arrangement, a key supplier confirmed their inability to supply fuel, triggering a delivery default,” he stated, arguing that the situation was then used to restructure supply deals in a way that drove up prices.
The coalition further claims that subsequent renegotiations between government officials and international oil companies led to new pricing that took effect on April 14, 2026, resulting in a sharp increase of Ksh28.69 per litre for petrol and Ksh40.30 for diesel.
Gachagua warned that the impact of the price changes would be widespread, driving up transport costs, increasing the cost of goods and placing further strain on households.
“While the crisis in the Middle East continues, this administration saw a business opportunity to fleece Kenyans,” he said, drawing a direct link between global events and alleged domestic profiteering.
He also claimed that the revised pricing structure could generate up to Ksh2.5 billion in profits for entities involved in the supply chain, raising questions about transparency in the fuel import system.
The opposition further questioned why fuel prices in Kenya remain higher than in neighbouring countries such as Uganda, despite imports passing through Kenyan infrastructure.
At the same time, Gachagua defended recently arrested former energy sector officials, arguing they acted within the law and should not be blamed for the current crisis.
The United Opposition is now calling for urgent intervention, including a special parliamentary sitting within seven days to review the G-to-G framework, suspension of certain fuel levies and accountability for those implicated.
