National Liberal Party (NLP) leader Dr. Augustus Kyalo Muli has thrown his weight behind planned Gen Z-led demonstrations over the rising cost of fuel, accusing the government of overtaxing Kenyans and failing to provide transparency in fuel pricing.
In a strongly worded statement released on Monday , Dr. Muli said millions of Kenyan families and businesses are being pushed to the edge by the escalating cost of living driven largely by high fuel prices.
“As a businessman and party leader, I see this daily. I stand with Kenyans demanding answers,” said Muli.
The outspoken party leader defended the constitutional right of Kenyans to engage in peaceful demonstrations, saying the National Liberal Party fully supports lawful protests aimed at demanding accountability from the government on the cost of living crisis.
Muli called on the government to urgently address what he termed as the root causes of the fuel crisis, including excessive taxation on petroleum products, inefficiencies in the energy sector and lack of transparency in determining pump prices.
Among the key proposals by the NLP is the immediate publication of the fuel pricing formula and a 90-day suspension of VAT on petroleum products to ease pressure on consumers and businesses.
“Kenya is not the only country affected by global oil price shocks, but we are among the few where taxes account for over 40 percent of the pump price,” Muli stated.
He further argued that neighboring countries such as Tanzania and Uganda, alongside Ghana, have implemented measures including tax cuts, subsidies and strategic reserve interventions to cushion citizens from the effects of rising global oil prices.
The NLP leader also demanded the convening of an urgent multi-stakeholder forum within seven days to seek lasting solutions to the fuel and cost of living crisis.
According to Muli, the forum should include Gen Z representatives, transport operators, labor unions, energy experts and political leaders from across the political divide.
“The people cannot keep waiting while costs rise daily,” he said.
At the same time, Muli urged demonstrators to maintain peace during the protests while also calling on security agencies to exercise restraint and protect lives and property.
He condemned any attempts to infiltrate peaceful demonstrations with violence, chaos or looting.
“Kenya needs solutions, not slogans. NLP will hold the government accountable and participate directly in crafting the relief plan,” he added.
The statement comes amid growing public frustration over the rising cost of fuel and transport, with Gen Z activists mobilizing nationwide demonstrations demanding immediate intervention from the government.
