Rigathi Gachagua Accuses President Ruto Of Fuel Price Manipulation For 2027 Campaign Cash

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has launched a scathing attack on President William Ruto, alleging that the Head of State directed an arbitrary hike in pump prices to finance political vote-buying ahead of the 2027 General Election.

In a public statement issued on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader claimed President Ruto ordered a fuel price increase of KSh 9 per liter on diesel and KSh 12 per liter on petrol, alleging the resulting transactions were routed through Gulf Energy for political purposes.

If implemented, the proposed price hikes would push super petrol to KSh 226.03 per liter and diesel to KSh 226.86 per liter in Nairobi.

Gachagua directed criticism toward Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, asserting that the ministry was instructed to attribute the upward price adjustment to shifting international crude oil market dynamics rather than government policy.

“That so-called expert, Mr. Opiyo Wandayi, has been instructed to call a press conference and justify the increase, citing global prices. Pure lies and conmanship!” Gachagua claimed.

Characterizing President Ruto as “desperate and angry,” the former Deputy President cited growing public dissatisfaction with the administration over economic hardship, corruption, and security concerns, asserting that the government is seeking campaign funds as the 2027 election approaches.

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) is scheduled to release its monthly fuel price review for the October 15 – November 14 pricing cycle on Wednesday evening.