By Bill Abuyeka | May 20, 2026
NAIROBI, KENYA — Prominent activist Boniface Mwangi has sharply criticized the government over the rising cost of fuel, accusing state leaders of failing to show respect for ordinary Kenyans struggling with the increasing cost of living.
Speaking during an interview on Spice FM’s The Situation Room, Mwangi argued that an accountable government would openly explain the reasons behind the high fuel prices and communicate measures being taken to cushion citizens from economic hardship.
“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 faulted the government for what he described as a lack of transparency and failure to adequately address public concerns over rising living expenses, particularly the impact of fuel prices on household budgets.
Mwangi also called for immediate austerity measures within government, urging leaders to reduce public spending and demonstrate solidarity with citizens facing economic difficulties.
He criticized what he termed as an imbalance where ordinary Kenyans are expected to bear the burden of economic strain while government officials continue enjoying expensive lifestyles financed by taxpayers.
The remarks come amid growing public concern over fuel costs, which continue to significantly affect transport, food prices, electricity costs, and overall inflation across the country.
Fuel prices remain a sensitive economic issue in Kenya due to the heavy tax and levy structure attached to petroleum products, with fluctuations often triggering widespread increases in the cost of essential goods and services.
Calls for government intervention and spending reductions have intensified in recent months as many households continue to grapple with shrinking purchasing power and rising daily expenses.
Mwangi’s remarks are likely to further fuel public debate over the government’s economic management and its response to mounting concerns about the cost of living.
