Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has hit out at Gachagua over his latest comments on the highly anticipated fuel price review.
Speaking during a campaign tour with President William Ruto in West Pokot County on October 14, Wandayi directly addressed Gachagua’s claims that the government intended to manipulate fuel prices upwards ahead of the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority’s (EPRA) monthly review.
While he did not necessarily signal whether pump prices would rise or fall, Wandayi defended the role of EPRA in setting fuel prices, insisting that the process is governed by law and not individual political decisions.
"Let me tell you, Mr Wamunyoro. There is nothing that you know regarding fuel prices in this country because you were a one-term MP. Fuel prices are managed independently by EPRA and not individuals within government," Wandayi stated.
Earlier on Wednesday, Gachagua accused President William Ruto of planning to raise petrol prices by Ksh12 per litre and diesel prices by Ksh9 per litre, alleging that the proposed increases were intended to 'raise funds for political bribery' ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In his rejoinder, Wandayi maintained that Kenya had continued to receive petroleum supplies despite disruptions in the Middle East, which have affected global oil prices and shipping costs.
He also pointed out that the EPRA, rather than the government, is responsible for setting pump prices under Kenya’s petroleum pricing framework.
Wandayi also accused Gachagua of demanding bribes from petroleum companies that had agreements with the Kenyan government during his tenure as Deputy President.
"When you were the Deputy President, you were demanding bribes from petroleum companies; therefore you cannot have any say in matters fuel prices in this country," Wandayi said.