Kidero blasts opposition, backs Ruto, on high petrol prices
Former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero has accused the opposition of not doing enough to put President William Ruto’s administration in check.
The ex-county boss also suggested, during a TV interview on November 15, 2023, Kenyans should not blame the government for the high petrol prices.
He explained the government was purchasing petrol at high prices from the international market.
Kidero stressed that taxes levied on the petrol by the government were equally important.
“The taxes charged on petrol or any other commodity for that matter are not a product of the current regime. VAT (Value Added Tax) was there before, it was reduced to 8 % during the Covid-19 period, but the levies have been there, whether it’s fuel or petrol. I believe the opposition, which is meant to keep the government in check, is not doing so,” Kidero declared during the interview.
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The government recently increased the VAT on petrol tax from 8% to 16% with President Ruto indicating the move was aimed at harmonising the tax rate with others.
The move to increase the VAT on petrol was unsuccessfully contested in court by Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah.
Kidero’s comments come amid hue and cry in the country over the high prices of petrol.
Kenyans are currently paying the highest price ever for the cost of petrol in the country’s history.
In the latest pricing by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Commision (EPRA) the price of petrol remained the same but that of diesel and kerosene dropped by Sh2,
According to the latest monthly fuel review from EPRA, a litre of super petrol will remain the same at Sh217.36 in Nairobi for the next month until December 14, 2023.
Kidero unsuccessfully contested for the Homa Bay gubernatorial seat in the 2022 polls.
He lost to Gladys Wanga and again unsuccessfully contested the result at the High Court.
He ditched opposition leader Raila Odinga’s camp and warmed up to President William Ruto who appointed him ICT Trade Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) but in a triple blow, the position was ruled unconstitutional by the courts.