Ruto: I’m not to blame for high cost of fuel

President William Ruto on Saturday said he has no power to reduce the high cost of fuel and should not be blamed if prices go up.

The President noted that the issue of oil is beyond him.

He categorically stated that he  should equally not be credited for the current reduced prices.

He said he does not deserve to be commended for the current reduced prices, because he has done nothing towards the drop.

“I told you prices of fuel will come down, I am telling you again, and the prices will reduce further next month. But do not clap for me….because, I have not done anything to reduce that price. I have done nothing….You have only helped to clap for me, but there is nothing I have done,” said Dr Ruto.

He added, “This is because I am not the one who increases or reduces the price of fuel. There are people who own oil there, they bring us the prices. The only thing I am announcing to you, is that those who bring that fuel have reduced the prices and it will continue doing so.”

He noted that there is work that the President can do and that which he cannot.

He said, “The problem in Kenya is about our leadership, leaders who don’t want to tell the truth. Leaders are not people meant to perform miracles. There are no miracles, leaders are not angels. Only Jesus can perform miracles, the rest of us is all about working hard,”

“There are those who want to be clapped for and they keep lying to Kenyans. Let us stop lying.  Where it is my responsibility, I will work very hard. But even so, when things have become good, let us not claim credit where we have done nothing. Don’t clap for me, your clapping won’t help.”

Dr Ruto noted that responsibilities are well spelt out for each leader and we must take into account and deliver on the work we have been given to do.

“There is work that I must do, like reducing the cost of fertilizer. We must tell each other the truth. They are saying the president can reduce the cost of fuel, will he do that? With what?” noted the President, adding that citizens must be told the truth even when it looks bad.

The Head of State made the revelation in Kisii on Sunday, minutes before he presided over a fundraiser for Kisii Catholic Diocese.

He was accompanied by his Deputy Rigathi Gachagua.

He was received in Kisii by Governor Simba Arati and his Nyamira counterpart Amos Nyaribo, Senator Richard Onyonka and several lawmakers from the region.

The President has in the last one year of his leadership come under heavy criticism for not reducing the cost of fuel and other basic items as promised during campaigns.

Following the revelations by the head of State who essentially is responsible for the running of the country, Kenyans appear to be on their own.

Just Friday, Azimio La Umoja-One Kenya coalition leader Raila Odinga asked Kenyans to place the blame for rising cost of living on President Ruto’s government, saying the opposition had no powers to act on it.

Mr Odinga said that lowering the cost of living is the responsibility of the ruling Kenya Kwanza government, and that his team should not be blamed.

The prices of fuel and the cost of fuel have remained high since President Ruto took power after his election in 2022.

However, there was a reprieve this month after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority announced a slight reduction of fuel prices in its latest review.

In the review, Super Petrol price was reduced by five shillings while diesel and kerosene reduced by two shillings and four shillings respectively.

Following the new prices, in Nairobi, Super Petrol, Diesel and Kerosine now retails at Sh 212.36, Sh 201.47 and Sh 199.05 respectively.

The President talked about fuel prices after the mammoth crowd that had attended the Sunday function heckled some leaders for defending the President on the high cost of living.

On corruption, the president said he will not be stopped by cartels who are only keen to benefit themselves.

“I was given a big sword. You think that sword is for cutting kales? It is for slashing the thugs who steal our public funds,” said Dr Ruto, noting that people fighting his health scheme and housing project have moved to court to oppose his plans.

rmbula@ke.nationmedia.com

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