Kenya: Gachagua Accuses Ruto of Using Fuel Price Hikes to Fund 2027 Campaigns

What the report says

Former Kenyan Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto of using recent fuel price increases to raise money for political mobilization ahead of the August 2027 general election. The remarks, carried by Capital FM and republished by AllAfrica, come as Gachagua intensifies his criticism of the Ruto administration’s handling of the economy.

Gachagua, who leads the Democracy for the Citizens Party, alleged that the government had ordered increases of Sh12 per litre for petrol and Sh9 per litre for diesel and claimed the move was meant to support political bribery. He also said Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi would be used to defend the changes by pointing to global oil prices. The article notes that these claims were not supported with evidence in the statement and that no link was established between Gulf Energy and the alleged scheme.

Beyond the fuel dispute, Gachagua said the president was facing public anger over abductions, alleged extrajudicial killings, corruption, poor policy decisions and the cost of living. The report says his comments reflect a widening political clash between the two former allies as Kenya moves closer to the next election. In general context, Kenya has seen persistent public debate over fuel pricing and living costs, which remain central political issues.