Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi rejected Gachagua’s claims about petroleum pricing.
Energy CS Opiyo Wandayi says EPRA independently sets pump prices, rejecting Gachagua’s allegations of planned increases to fund political mobilisation.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has rejected Rigathi Gachagua’s claims about fuel prices ahead of the latest regulatory review. He said the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) handles pricing independently, rather than individual government officials.
Wandayi spoke on October 14 while accompanying President William Ruto on a tour of West Pokot. He challenged the former Deputy President’s understanding of petroleum pricing and dismissed his criticism of the government.
Wandayi challenges fuel prices allegations
Gachagua had alleged that petrol could rise by Sh12 per litre and diesel by Sh9. He also claimed Ruto intended to use the increases to finance political mobilisation before the 2027 General Election.
However, Wandayi rejected the suggestion that government officials individually control the pricing process. He referred to Gachagua’s single term as an MP while questioning his knowledge of the sector.
The Cabinet Secretary also accused Gachagua of demanding bribes from petroleum companies during his tenure as Deputy President. He offered the allegation as a reason to dismiss Gachagua’s criticism, but the claim remains unsubstantiated in the available material.
Gachagua alleges political funding plan
Meanwhile, Gachagua, who leads the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP), accused Ruto of ordering the proposed increases. He alleged that the additional money would support political bribery and mobilisation ahead of the next election.
Gachagua also named Gulf Energy as part of the alleged plan. He further claimed Wandayi had received instructions to justify the increases by pointing to higher global oil prices.
Those allegations do not establish that EPRA has approved the increases Gachagua described. The regulator’s forthcoming announcement will determine the actual maximum retail prices for the new pricing period.
The government, meanwhile, has cited rising international fuel costs. It has linked those pressures to disruptions in global oil markets arising from the Middle East conflict.
EPRA review to set new pump rates
EPRA’s scheduled Wednesday review will set prices for the period beginning October 15. Its calculations will reflect relevant import costs and the other components used to determine maximum retail rates.
Under the prevailing rates for September 15 to October 14, Super Petrol cost Sh214.03 per litre in Nairobi. Diesel, meanwhile, retailed at Sh217.86 per litre.
The review comes amid concern about the impact of higher fuel costs on household budgets. Transport fares, food prices and the wider cost of living remain central concerns as motorists await EPRA’s decision.
