Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria is walking back comments he made last week predicting fuel prices would rise in coming months, after drawing criticism from Kenyans and a caution from Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
The backpedaling came after Kuria and Ndii made provocative statements about fuel prices, which have spiked recently causing public uproar.
“I have since been advised by people like Dr. Boni Khalwale and his master that the statement was incorrect, insensitive and arrogant,” Kuria said in a tweet Friday. “I apologize profusely since to err is human.”
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Speaking Saturday, Kuria told dissatisfied Kenyans to “dig your own wells” if they were unhappy with fuel hikes.
“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.
Ndii maintained he does not subscribe to the government’s views and will not self-censor. “I don’t believe politicians, and I don’t trust government,” Ndii said on Twitter. “If you do either you are a sucker.”
In a statement Sunday, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua cautioned leaders against arrogant remarks and said the comments do not reflect President William Ruto’s position.
“Although the people of Kenya did not employ them directly, they decisively elected President Ruto, who in turn appointed them,” Gachagua wrote. “And hence by virtue of this — they are employed by Kenyans.”
