DP Gachagua cautions Moses Kuria, David Ndii on addressing Kenyans with arrogance in fuel hike uproar

In a statement on Sunday, DP Gachagua noted that he is privy to the concerning tone public servants have interacted with Kenyans regarding the recent spike in oil prices which has caused uproar in the last few days.

He therefore urged leaders to exercise caution while addressing Kenyans, stressing that "it is insensitive to talk down on The People". 

Gachagua further added that the comments made by the leaders do not reflect the position of President Ruto's government and that they are their personal sentiments.

"I would like to remind them that although the people of Kenya did not employ them directly, they decisively elected H.E President William Ruto, who in turn appointed them Cabinet Secretaries and Advisors. And hence by virtue of this -they are employed by Kenyans," he wrote on X, formerly Twitter. 

"You do not address your employer with arrogance. Do so with Humility and Decorum. Kenyans, like the rest of the world, are going through difficult economic times and leaders should address them with Sensitivity and Empathy."

He further urged leaders to lead by President Ruto's advice of serving with humility and embracing servant leadership.

"Responsible leaders should be sensitive and inspire hope to the people, the hope for a better tomorrow," he said. 

"Talking down on the people and demoralising those who look up to them for solutions and a way out of the difficult situation they find themselves in is not good leadership. Please do not SPITE the People of Kenya."

The second in command likewise urged Kenyans to be patient with the current, however uncomfortable, adjustments the government is making as fuel prices have been affected globally.

He assured that the government is committed to finding a lasting solution to the economic precipice the nation is in and a remedy will be found soon.

"Things will get better as we move along. The government remains aware of and is sensitive to the challenges Kenyans are facing today," he said.

Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria and President William Ruto's top economic advisor David Ndii have recently been engaging Kenyans questioning government's decision to increase fuel prices. 

CS Kuria was captured on video during an address on Saturday telling Kenyans to dig their own wells if they are dissatisfied with the fuel hikes. 

"If you keep saying fuel prices have hiked from morning to evening.... why not dig your own well? The whole world knows crude oil prices have hiked, if those noisy people have their well, I am ready to dig it so that fuel prices reduce," Kuria said. 

On the other hand, David Ndii made provoking remarks following the fuel price increment maintaining that he does not subscribe to the government's views and he will not tame his tongue to fit certain parameters.

"I don’t believe politicians, and I don’t trust government.  If you do either you are a sucker," said Ndii on X.

"I don’t agree. I do not subscribe to sentimentality in the conduct of public affairs.  I owe my position in this society to speaking truth to power, brutally. I ruffle feathers."

The duo's sentiments have attracted criticism from Kenyans including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale who proposed that the duo should be sacked.

The cost of fuel in Kenya reached a record high on Friday crossing the 200 Kenya Shilling mark for the first time as the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced that Super Petrol prices have increased by Ksh.16.96, Diesel by Ksh.21.32, while Kerosene climbs the highest by Ksh.33.13 per litre.

In Nairobi, a litre of Super Petrol now retails for Ksh211.64, Ksh.201 for Diesel and Ksh.202.13 for Kerosene.