By Joshua Otieno | April 20, 2026
NAIROBI, KENYA — Narok Senator Ledama Olekina has come under sharp criticism from opposition colleagues after defending high fuel levies as a “necessary evil” to sustain Kenya’s infrastructure development.
In statements issued on Monday, Olekina—once a vocal critic of the so-called fuel cartel—urged Kenyans to stop blaming William Ruto for rising fuel costs, dismissing such accusations as “cheap politics.”
The senator argued that levies imposed on petroleum products remain critical in financing the country’s road network, framing the debate as a trade-off between affordable fuel and modern infrastructure.
“I know it hurts a lot, but the truth is: fuel isn’t ‘free money.’ Cheaper fuel means less levy revenue for roads,” Olekina said, pointing to Kenya’s relatively higher percentage of paved roads compared to regional peers as evidence of the model’s impact.
His remarks also included a firm defense of the government, with Olekina insisting that global oil prices and international shipping costs—not local leadership—are the primary drivers of high pump prices. He maintained that neither the presidency nor regulators such as the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority control global market forces.
The comments come shortly after President Ruto signed the VAT (Amendment) Act 2026 into law, temporarily reducing fuel tax from 16 percent to 8 percent in a bid to ease the burden on consumers. The move has led to a modest drop in pump prices, offering short-term relief amid sustained public pressure over the cost of living.
Despite this, Olekina’s apparent shift in tone has triggered debate within political circles and on social media, with critics accusing him of abandoning his earlier stance and aligning with the government’s fiscal policies.
The development highlights growing divisions within opposition ranks as the country grapples with balancing economic stability, infrastructure funding, and public demand for lower fuel prices.
