National Assembly Majority Leader and Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichungwa…..Photo/CG
NAIROBI, Kenya
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah is facing criticism after comparing Kenya’s fuel prices to those in London, remarks that have ignited debate over the country’s rising cost of living.
The comments, made during a public engagement and widely circulated on social media, drew swift reaction from opposition leaders and commentators who accused him of downplaying the economic strain facing ordinary Kenyans.
Siaya Governor James Orengo said the comparison was misleading and ignored structural differences between the two economies.
“Kenya cannot be compared to London when you look at wages, social safety nets and the cost burden on households,” Orengo said. “People here are struggling with fuel that takes a huge share of their daily income.”
Former Law Society of Kenya president Faith Odhiambo also dismissed the analogy, arguing that Kenya’s fuel pricing system places a heavier burden on consumers.
“You cannot compare retail fuel prices without factoring in the tax structure and levies that Kenyans are paying,” she said .
The remarks sparked a wave of criticism.
Joab Butalia a Ford Kenya politician from Bungoma West said that “London comparison is unfair. In Kenya, fuel determines whether a family eats or not.”
Civil society leader Phillip Wekesa Wanyonyi added: “We are dealing with public transport costs, farming costs and small businesses. It’s not the same reality.”
However, Ichung’wah’s allies defended his remarks, saying they were aimed at illustrating global fuel market trends rather than equating the two economies.
Energy Committee member Peter Muthoka said global forces were driving price changes.
“Fuel is a global commodity. Even in London, prices fluctuate. We cannot ignore international market dynamics,” he said.
Nairobi Senator Karen Nyamu also defended Ichung’wah, accusing critics of politicising the issue.
“The point was about global exposure to fuel shocks, not that Kenya and London are identical,” she said.
Kenya has experienced sustained fuel price increases in recent months, with the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) citing global crude oil trends and exchange rate pressures.
The rises have added to public frustration over the cost of living, with transport and food prices also affected.
