Shock as Global Fuel Crisis Hits Kenya Hard: Rights Activist Warns Against Political Incitement, Calls for Urgent National Dialogue

As the cost of fuel continues to rise across Kenya and the East African region, the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy has issued a strong appeal for calm, unity and a structured national conversation, warning political leaders against exploiting the crisis for selfish interests.

In a strongly worded statement released in Eldoret, prominent human rights activist Kipkorir Ngetich said the country is facing one of the most serious global energy emergencies in modern history and urged leaders to stop spreading propaganda and incitement at a time when millions of Kenyans are already struggling with the high cost of living.

Ngetich noted that Kenya, like many African countries, depends heavily on imported petroleum products and is therefore directly exposed to the devastating effects of the escalating conflict in the Middle East, particularly the ongoing tensions involving Iran, the United States and Gulf nations.

According to the activist, the global fuel crisis has been worsened by the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical international maritime route used for the transportation of oil and liquefied natural gas from the Persian Gulf to global markets.

“The closure and disruption of this strategic route has severely affected global oil supply chains. This is not political propaganda or a manufactured crisis. It is a dangerous international reality whose consequences are now being felt by ordinary Kenyans,” Ngetich stated.

He explained that attacks targeting vital oil refineries and energy infrastructure across Iran and several Gulf nations have significantly reduced oil production volumes entering the global market, resulting in unprecedented spikes in crude oil prices and inflation across many economies worldwide.

Ngetich warned that the rising fuel prices are now triggering a chain reaction across all sectors of the economy, including transport, food production, manufacturing and basic household commodities, leaving many families unable to cope with the increasing financial pressure.

“The suffering of ordinary wananchi is real. Families are struggling to afford transport, food and essential goods. Small businesses are collapsing under pressure while workers continue earning the same salaries despite skyrocketing living expenses,” he said.

The activist criticized opposition leaders who have called for demonstrations over the fuel crisis, accusing them of using the economic hardships facing Kenyans as a political weapon instead of offering practical alternatives.

“It is hypocrisy of the highest order for leaders to incite demonstrations during a crisis that requires national unity and sober leadership. Those calling for protests should honestly tell Kenyans what practical solutions they would implement if they were in government,” he said.

Ngetich argued that the current crisis is global in nature and cannot be solved through political confrontation, accusations or public unrest.

“What Kenya needs now is dialogue, consultation and responsible leadership. This is not the time for political games, incitement and manipulation of public emotions,” he added.

The Centre for Human Rights and Democracy further appealed to the business community, manufacturers and transport operators not to take advantage of the crisis by imposing exaggerated price increases on consumers.

Ngetich expressed concern over the sharp rise in transport fares and production costs, saying many businesses are unfairly shifting the burden entirely to ordinary citizens while workers continue receiving stagnant wages.

“It is unacceptable for transport operators and industries to rapidly increase prices while employees continue earning low salaries. Such actions only deepen the suffering of ordinary Kenyans who are already victims of circumstances beyond their control,” he said.

He challenged private sector players to engage government through consultations and policy discussions aimed at finding sustainable solutions instead of transferring all economic pressure to consumers.

The activist also commended the government for the intervention measures already introduced to cushion vulnerable citizens from the impact of rising fuel costs, but emphasized the need for broader national engagement involving all stakeholders.

“We acknowledge the efforts being made by government to stabilize the situation. However, this crisis requires wider national consultations bringing together political leaders, business stakeholders, civil society, economists, energy experts and religious leaders to collectively find lasting solutions,” he stated.

Ngetich further urged the media to remain responsible and professional by educating the public on the realities of the global energy crisis instead of promoting political tensions and misinformation.

“The media must help citizens understand the international dimensions of this crisis rather than allowing the situation to be reduced into political propaganda and blame games,” he added.

Comparing the fuel crisis to the global COVID-19 pandemic, the activist said Kenya is facing a moment that requires sacrifice, patience and collective responsibility from all sectors of society.

“This is a national and global emergency similar to what the world experienced during the pandemic. Such moments require unity, dialogue and responsible decision-making rather than anger and political vengeance,” he said.

Ngetich concluded by appealing to Kenyans to remain peaceful and united despite the difficult economic conditions facing the country.

“As a nation, we must reject hatred, violence and selfish political agendas. Kenya will overcome this challenge through unity, peaceful dialogue and responsible leadership. The solution lies not in chaos and demonstrations, but in constructive engagement and national solidarity,” he said.

The Centre for Human Rights and Democracy maintained that while the fuel crisis continues to strain economies worldwide, Kenya’s stability and progress will depend on the willingness of leaders and citizens alike to prioritize national interests above political competition.