The political atmosphere in Nairobi has thickened significantly after the United Opposition issued a firm, seven-day ultimatum to President William Ruto and his administration, demanding a complete overhaul of the government-to-government (G-to-G) fuel import framework, resignations of Energy and Trade Cs, and subsidies to cushion Kenyans.
The demand, delivered with the threat of nationwide mass action, marks a sharp escalation in the ongoing dispute over the management of Kenya's energy sector, and comes against the backdrop of a recent fuel price increase.
In a statement on April 15, 2026, the opposition claimed the government has failed to protect Kenyans from rising fuel costs and instead turned the energy sector into what it described as a “criminal enterprise”.
The opposition linked the price increases to the government-to-government fuel import arrangement involving three international oil firms: Saudi Aramco, ADNOC and ENOC. It said these firms work with selected local oil marketing companies under the deal.
According to the statement, the arrangement ran into trouble after supply disruptions linked to tensions in the Middle East. The opposition said some suppliers declared their inability to meet obligations, triggering a supply gap.
It claimed that local firms were invited to supply emergency fuel stocks, and that contracts were awarded to the lowest bidders under existing regulations.
However, the opposition claimed that the process was later interfered with to include Gulf Energy, which it described as a proxy linked to senior figures in government.
“After Mr William Ruto got a brief that Gulf Energy’s bid was knocked out on technical grounds… he issued clear instructions that Gulf Energy bids be affixed to the procurement process,” the statement claimed.
The group further said that the move disrupted a lawful procurement process and led to political interference in fuel supply decisions.
The statement referenced the arrest of former Petroleum Principal Secretary Mohamed Liban, former EPRA Director General Daniel Kiptoo and former Kenya Pipeline Company Managing Director Joe Sang.
It argued that the three officials acted within the law when they approved emergency fuel imports and followed existing regulations.
“To date, the three arrested Kenyans… have had no charges preferred on them. Why? They had no case to answer as they followed and applied the law strictly,” the statement said.
The opposition accused the government of using the arrests to deflect attention from what it called the “real culprits” behind the crisis.
The group said Kenyans are now paying the price for what it described as profit-driven decisions within government.
“Yesterday night, they increased prices of super petrol by Ksh28.69 and diesel by Ksh40.30 per litre, an historic high since Kenya’s independence,” the statement said.
It claimed the price adjustments would generate significant profits for those behind the supply chain, claiming gains of up to Ksh5 per litre.
The opposition also compared Kenya’s fuel prices with neighbouring Uganda, noting that pump prices there average about Ksh175 per litre for petrol and Ksh170 for diesel, despite fuel passing through Kenya’s port of Mombasa.
The United Alternative Government laid out a series of demands aimed at addressing the crisis and restoring public confidence.
First, it called on President Ruto to convene a special sitting of Parliament within seven days to address the fuel issue.
“Mr William Ruto… this is the time. Kenyans are demanding that you… face reality and put Wanjiku first,” the statement said.
Second, it demanded the immediate cancellation of the government-to-government fuel import framework, arguing that it favours a small group of companies.
Third, the opposition called for the resignation and prosecution of Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui.
"We unequivocally demand the immediate resignation and prosecution” of the two ministers, the statement said, accusing them of misleading Parliament and being complicit in the scandal.
On taxation, the opposition demanded a series of immediate relief measures.
These include suspending the Road Maintenance Levy, which rose from Ksh18 to Ksh25 per litre, removing VAT on fuel products, and halting the Affordable Housing Levy and increased NSSF deductions.
It argued that these measures would reduce pressure on households already struggling with high living costs.
“Kenyans cannot continue to pay political rent at the pump,” the statement said.
The opposition’s demands come amid growing calls for fuel price reductions from across the political divide.
