By Bill Abuyeka | May 20, 2026
NAIROBI, KENYA — Prominent activist and presidential aspirant Boniface Mwangi has criticized the government over the rising cost of fuel, accusing state leadership of failing to show concern for ordinary Kenyans grappling with mounting economic pressure.
Speaking during an interview on Spice FM’s The Situation Room, Mwangi said the government had failed to openly explain the reasons behind soaring fuel prices and what measures were being taken to shield citizens from the economic burden.
“If this government respected Kenyans, they would have come out and explained why fuel is so expensive, why we have to tighten our belts, and what they are going to do to ensure that these shocks are not felt by Kenyans alone,” Mwangi said during the broadcast.
The activist argued that an accountable administration should maintain transparency during periods of economic hardship rather than leaving citizens to absorb rising costs without adequate communication or intervention.
Mwangi also called on the government to reduce public expenditure, saying leaders should demonstrate solidarity with struggling citizens by adopting austerity measures within state institutions.
He criticized what he described as a growing disconnect between public suffering and government spending, arguing that ordinary Kenyans continue to endure shrinking purchasing power while public officials maintain expensive lifestyles funded through taxation.
Fuel prices remain one of the most sensitive economic issues in Kenya, with petroleum costs directly influencing transportation, electricity, food production, and the general cost of living.
The high cost of fuel has continued to generate public debate, with many Kenyans expressing frustration over the impact of taxes and levies imposed on petroleum products.
Mwangi’s remarks add to growing criticism from various quarters over the government’s handling of economic challenges, particularly amid increasing concerns about inflation and the rising cost of basic commodities.
