Calls for public demonstrations have intensified after a sharp rise in fuel prices, with Babu Owino urging Kenyans to prepare for nationwide protests over the growing cost of living.
The Embakasi East Member of Parliament reacted strongly to the latest prices announced by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, accusing the government of placing a heavy burden on ordinary citizens.
He argued that rising fuel costs will have a direct impact on transport and food prices, making life more difficult for many households already struggling to cope.
“The government does not respect its citizens…we, as leaders, cannot sit and watch the oppressors – who are the government – frustrate Kenyan citizens. I want to tell Kenyans that increasing fuel prices means an increase in cost of living,” he said.
“The transport cost is going to increase…and the cost of food is definitely going to increase in our nation. The disposable income for a normal Kenyan is not going to be increase, therefore these Kenyans are going to be overburdened. Why should the government treat her citizens with contempt?”
The lawmaker went further to rally citizens to prepare for mass action, saying protests would be announced soon and should be taken seriously across the country.
“We want to tell Kenyans that we have a very dishonest regime; a government that is based on lies, we can never trust them. We want to warn this government that when this skyrocketing price of fuel is implemented…this is the right time to call for maandamano.
Because Kenyans are already suffering, ao if you don’t embrace maandamano, you will continue suffering. This is not how to run a government; even a kiosk is run in a better way,” he said.
“The timeframe (for maandamano) we’re going to communicate. The moment we give an ultimatum, it must be implemented. So Kenyans be ready from wherever you are. These fuel prices do not affect those supporting ‘wantam’ alone, even those in ‘tutam’ cannot buy fuel anywhere at a cheaper price.”
The latest review shows that Super Petrol and Diesel prices have increased significantly for the period between April 15 and May 14, 2026.
In Nairobi, petrol now sells at Ksh.206.87 per litre, while diesel is at Ksh.206.84, with kerosene unchanged at Ksh.152.78.
According to EPRA, the increase has been driven by higher global oil prices, pressure on the exchange rate, and existing taxes. The agency noted that efforts such as reducing VAT and using the Petroleum Development Levy are meant to ease the burden on consumers.
President William Ruto defended the move, saying the government has spent Ksh.6.5 billion to cushion citizens from even higher prices.
He pointed to global instability, especially in the Middle East, as a key factor affecting fuel costs worldwide.
“We have had issues of war in the Middle East and the price of fuel is high everywhere, but in Kenya, tumepanga vizuri kuhakikisha kuwa ile bei ambayo ingeruka juu sana, tumeifanyia moderation,” he said.
“Tumetoa pesa ya serikali Ksh.6.5 billion kuleta subsidy; we have brought down VAT to ensure we moderate the fuel.”
He added that the government plans to reduce VAT on fuel further for three months in an effort to provide temporary relief, even as concerns grow over the wider economic impact of the price increase.