In a shocking turn of events that has left Kenyans reeling, President William Ruto has ruthlessly reneged on his campaign promises, plunging the nation into a pit of despair and financial hardship. The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) issued a chilling press release on 30th June 2023, announcing a staggering increase in fuel prices, a move that has sent shockwaves across the country.
The fuel price hike comes hot on the heels of the contentious Finance Bill 2023, a piece of legislation that has been met with widespread criticism and public outcry. The government, under Ruto’s leadership, has audaciously backtracked on its solemn vow not to increase taxes, a promise that now seems as hollow as a drum.
During the 2022 Presidential Debate, Ruto, with a confident air of assurance, promised Kenyans that he would abolish the VAT on fuel, which then stood at 8%. This pledge, made to moderator Yvonne Okwara, was met with applause and hope, as Kenyans envisioned a future with more affordable living costs.
Fast forward to today, and the reality couldn’t be more different. Ruto has not only failed to eliminate the VAT on fuel but has shockingly doubled it to a whopping 16%. This ruthless reversal has left Kenyans feeling betrayed and abandoned, as the cost of living skyrockets.
In 2021, Ndindi Nyoro, a vocal critic of the then President Uhuru, issued a one-day ultimatum to reduce fuel prices when petrol was retailing at Ksh 129. Today, under Ruto’s regime, Kenyans can only dream of such prices.
It appears that Ruto and his henchmen have callously cast aside their populist pledges, choosing instead to burden the common mwananchi with exorbitant fuel prices. This move has not only raised the cost of living but has also shattered the trust of Kenyans in their leadership.
As the nation grapples with this devastating blow, one thing is clear: Ruto’s ruthless reversal on his campaign promises has left Kenyans not only with lighter wallets but also with heavier hearts. The dream of affordable fuel, once so vividly painted by Ruto, has been cruelly snuffed out, replaced by a harsh reality of broken promises and financial hardship.
This is a dark day for Kenya, a day when the promises of a leader were revealed to be nothing more than empty words. As we brace ourselves for the impact of these fuel price hikes, we are left to wonder: what other promises will Ruto break next?