Kibwezi West Member of Parliament Mwengi Mutuse has a direct message for frustrated Kenyans facing another big jump in fuel costs. Stop pointing fingers at President William Ruto. The real issue lies thousands of miles away in the escalating conflict between the United States and Iran.
Speaking to residents in his constituency, Mutuse pushed back against growing anger over the latest fuel adjustments announced this week. Petrol now sells for around 214 shillings per litre in Nairobi, while diesel has climbed to nearly 243 shillings. These increases come on top of previous hikes and hit hard in a country where many already struggle with transport fares and food prices.
“If you want fuel prices to come down, take from here in Kenya, go to America, and tell Donald Trump to stop the war in Iran,” Mutuse said during the address. He argued that President Ruto should not carry the blame for rises driven by international events.
Global crude oil supplies have tightened because of the Middle East tensions, pushing up import costs for Kenya, which relies heavily on foreign supplies. A weaker shilling has only made the situation worse.
The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority confirmed the new rates this week, noting significant pressure from world market conditions. Kerosene prices stayed the same for now, offering slight relief to households that still use it for cooking. Even so, the overall picture remains tough for ordinary citizens who depend on affordable fuel for matatus, boda bodas, and small businesses.
Mutuse is not alone in this view. Other lawmakers allied to the government have echoed similar points, stressing that Kenya does not operate in isolation from global forces.
They highlight how conflicts far away ripple straight into local petrol stations. Yet critics argue the government could still do more on the domestic side, such as reviewing taxes or finding ways to cushion the impact on the poorest families.
This latest spike marks the second major increase in recent weeks. Many Kenyans remember campaign promises from past elections about lowering the cost of living.
At the same time, the remarks have drawn mixed reactions. Supporters see it as honest talk about things beyond one country’s control. Others view it as passing the buck instead of offering practical solutions at home.
For daily commuters in places like Nairobi and Mombasa, the numbers tell a simple story. Higher fuel means higher bus fares and increased costs for goods that need transport.
In the end, fuel prices in Kenya rarely stay still for long. This round of increases serves as another reminder of how connected the country is to events beyond its borders. Kenyans will keep watching to see how leaders respond, both at home and on the international stage.
