To the chagrin of many Kenyans, the country’s regulator has announced the highest fuel prices in recent memory.
In the capital Nairobi, the price of petrol increased over night by about 212 shillings ($1.40; £1.20) per litre, with price increases ranging from 9% to 20% for various fuel types.
Despite recent nationwide demonstrations against high living expenses and the government’s economic policies, the move nonetheless took place.
David Ndii, chief economic adviser to President William Ruto, stated on X (formerly Twitter) that it would be “painful” and “it may not work,” adding that he would not give Kenyans false hope.
Both Mr Ndii and the fuel prices have been trending topics on social media.
“[Mr] Ndii has told us the bitter truth that we are repugnant fools and stupid morons for having believed that people who used a wheelbarrow as a party symbol had any idea of fixing the country. It is our fault for believing them,” a Kenyan said on X.
“Matatus [public minivans] use diesel which is the means of transport for the poor, gone up by 21.32 shillings. The poor majority use kerosene, has gone up by 33.13 shillings…,” said another.
President Ruto eliminated fuel subsidies when he took office in September of last year.
Source-BBC
