Speaking during a public engagement in the Mount Kenya region, Gachagua accused the Kenya Kwanza government of failing to cushion citizens from the rising cost of petroleum products, arguing that fuel pricing decisions have directly contributed to the escalating cost of living.
He claimed that ordinary Kenyans are now forced to endure harsh economic conditions, including increased transport fares, higher food prices and reduced disposable income.
Gachagua further alleged that the government has not been transparent in explaining the factors driving fuel price adjustments, insisting that Kenyans deserve clearer communication on how international oil prices, taxes and local levies influence pump prices.
He said that leadership responsibility requires protecting citizens from economic shocks rather than transferring the burden to them.
He also criticized what he termed as policy inconsistency in the energy and transport sectors, suggesting that frequent adjustments in fuel prices have created uncertainty for businesses, particularly in logistics, agriculture and manufacturing.
According to him, small-scale traders and matatu operators are among the hardest hit, as they are forced to pass increased costs to consumers.
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The former Deputy President went on to argue that the government had made campaign promises to lower the cost of living but has instead presided over rising inflationary pressure.
He urged leaders to prioritize practical interventions such as subsidies, tax reviews, and improved efficiency in fuel importation and distribution systems.
In response to similar criticisms in the past, government officials have maintained that fuel price fluctuations are largely driven by global market forces, including crude oil prices, exchange rate volatility, and international supply chain disruptions.
They have also defended existing taxation structures, stating that they are necessary to fund infrastructure and essential public services.
Despite these explanations, Gachagua insisted that leadership must be measured by its ability to shield citizens from economic hardship.
He called on Parliament and independent oversight institutions to scrutinize fuel pricing mechanisms and ensure accountability in the sector.
His remarks are likely to add fresh political tension within the Kenya Kwanza coalition, as debates over the cost of living continue to dominate national discourse.
Analysts say the fuel issue remains one of the most sensitive economic challenges in Kenya, with direct implications for inflation, transport, and food security.
As public frustration grows, calls for urgent policy reforms are expected to intensify, with both opposition and ruling coalition figures increasingly using fuel prices as a key political talking point ahead of future electoral cycles.
