Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto of mismanaging the economy and alleged that planned increases in fuel prices are intended to raise money for political handouts ahead of the 2027 General Election.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, Gachagua criticised the Kenya Kwanza administration, accusing it of failing to address economic challenges and alleging widespread public dissatisfaction with the government.
He also accused the administration of being responsible for abductions, extrajudicial killings, misuse of public funds and policy failures, claims he did not substantiate in the statement.
Gachagua further alleged that the government intended to raise pump prices by KSh9 per litre for diesel and KSh12 per litre for petrol to generate funds for political bribery.
He dismissed anticipated explanations linking the changes to global oil prices, accusing Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi of being directed to defend the increases at a press conference.
“The extra cash is for bribing voters,” Gachagua claimed, alleging that the proposed price adjustments were politically motivated.
He further argued that the administration was increasingly relying on cash handouts to win public support, including during engagements in regions considered political strongholds.
The former Deputy President’s remarks come as political leaders begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election, with fuel prices, the cost of living and economic management expected to remain key issues in the political debate.
However, Gachagua’s claims that the alleged fuel price increases are intended to finance political handouts were not independently substantiated in his statement.
