Speaking during the Jubilee Party Delegates Convention in Kiambu County on Monday, May 25, 2026, Uhuru painted a grim picture of life for many households, saying thousands of families are being pushed to the edge by soaring fuel prices, expensive transport, rising rent, and the ever-increasing cost of basic commodities.
The former Head of State argued that political arguments and accusations will not put food on tables or reduce the financial burden currently weighing heavily on citizens.
According to him, leaders must shift their focus from political battles to practical solutions capable of easing the suffering of ordinary wananchi.
“The issue is simple; Kenyans are complaining because of the high cost of living,” Uhuru said.
“They are earning Ksh20,000; from this, Ksh8,000 goes to fuel for matatu transportation, and Ksh11,000 goes to rent. The remaining Ksh2,000 is supposed to buy food and take children to school.”
His remarks drew applause from delegates attending the convention, many of whom have repeatedly complained about the rising cost of living and shrinking purchasing power across the country.
Uhuru noted that transportation costs have become one of the biggest challenges facing low-income earners, especially workers who depend on public transport every day.
His remarks drew applause from delegates attending the convention, many of whom have repeatedly complained about the rising cost of living and shrinking purchasing power across the country.
Uhuru noted that transportation costs have become one of the biggest challenges facing low-income earners, especially workers who depend on public transport every day.
With fuel prices remaining elevated, he said, transport operators inevitably pass the costs to passengers, leaving workers with little money to cater for other essential needs.
The former president warned that continued increases in fuel prices have a ripple effect across the economy because transportation affects nearly every sector.
The former president warned that continued increases in fuel prices have a ripple effect across the economy because transportation affects nearly every sector.
From food distribution to manufacturing and service delivery, higher fuel costs eventually translate into increased prices for consumers.
He challenged political leaders to work together in finding lasting solutions rather than engaging in endless political confrontations.
“Do not talk about tribalism and other things. If you want us to help solve the problem, then reach out; we solve, but blaming others will not work. Let us sit together and solve. When the country has a problem, it involves all of us,” Uhuru stated.
The Jubilee Party leader emphasized that economic challenges do not discriminate based on political affiliation, tribe, religion, or region. According to him, every Kenyan feels the impact whenever fuel prices rise or the cost of basic commodities increases.
He further argued that leadership should be measured by the ability to improve citizens’ lives rather than by political speeches or public relations campaigns.
“Kenyans will not eat words, education, or build roads with just talking. It does not have tribalism or anything else; it needs all Kenyans,” he added.
His comments come at a time when public frustration over the cost of living continues to grow. In recent weeks, several parts of the country have witnessed demonstrations linked to rising fuel prices and economic pressures affecting households and businesses.
Many Kenyans have complained that despite promises of economic transformation and improved livelihoods, daily expenses continue to rise while incomes remain largely stagnant.
He challenged political leaders to work together in finding lasting solutions rather than engaging in endless political confrontations.
“Do not talk about tribalism and other things. If you want us to help solve the problem, then reach out; we solve, but blaming others will not work. Let us sit together and solve. When the country has a problem, it involves all of us,” Uhuru stated.
The Jubilee Party leader emphasized that economic challenges do not discriminate based on political affiliation, tribe, religion, or region. According to him, every Kenyan feels the impact whenever fuel prices rise or the cost of basic commodities increases.
He further argued that leadership should be measured by the ability to improve citizens’ lives rather than by political speeches or public relations campaigns.
“Kenyans will not eat words, education, or build roads with just talking. It does not have tribalism or anything else; it needs all Kenyans,” he added.
His comments come at a time when public frustration over the cost of living continues to grow. In recent weeks, several parts of the country have witnessed demonstrations linked to rising fuel prices and economic pressures affecting households and businesses.
Many Kenyans have complained that despite promises of economic transformation and improved livelihoods, daily expenses continue to rise while incomes remain largely stagnant.
Critics argue that the burden of taxes, fuel costs, rent, and food prices has made life increasingly difficult for ordinary citizens.
However, President Ruto has defended his administration’s handling of the fuel situation, insisting that the government has spent billions of shillings to cushion consumers from the impact of global oil price fluctuations.
Speaking in Mombasa on Friday, May 22, 2026, the President announced that the government had allocated Ksh12.45 billion under the fuel price stabilization mechanism to protect consumers from sudden increases in fuel prices during the April and May pricing cycles.
“In total, we have spent Ksh12.45 billion on stabilising fuel prices in the April and May cycle,” Ruto said.
The President explained that Kenya, like many countries around the world, has been affected by volatility in the global energy market.
However, President Ruto has defended his administration’s handling of the fuel situation, insisting that the government has spent billions of shillings to cushion consumers from the impact of global oil price fluctuations.
Speaking in Mombasa on Friday, May 22, 2026, the President announced that the government had allocated Ksh12.45 billion under the fuel price stabilization mechanism to protect consumers from sudden increases in fuel prices during the April and May pricing cycles.
“In total, we have spent Ksh12.45 billion on stabilising fuel prices in the April and May cycle,” Ruto said.
The President explained that Kenya, like many countries around the world, has been affected by volatility in the global energy market.
He noted that governments worldwide have introduced emergency interventions to manage the impact of rising oil prices on their economies.
According to Ruto, Kenya has implemented measures aimed at ensuring a steady fuel supply while cushioning households and businesses from severe market shocks.
“We have stepped up to ensure Kenyans continue to receive a stable, continuous fuel supply within the country and to cushion Kenyans as much as possible from the full impact of this global crisis,” he said.
The President added that the government had relied on resources from the Petroleum Development Fund to stabilize prices and protect consumers from unpredictable fluctuations in the international oil market.
Despite the government’s assurances, debate continues over whether the interventions are sufficient to ease the burden facing millions of Kenyans.
According to Ruto, Kenya has implemented measures aimed at ensuring a steady fuel supply while cushioning households and businesses from severe market shocks.
“We have stepped up to ensure Kenyans continue to receive a stable, continuous fuel supply within the country and to cushion Kenyans as much as possible from the full impact of this global crisis,” he said.
The President added that the government had relied on resources from the Petroleum Development Fund to stabilize prices and protect consumers from unpredictable fluctuations in the international oil market.
Despite the government’s assurances, debate continues over whether the interventions are sufficient to ease the burden facing millions of Kenyans.
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