Trade CS Moses Kuria 'apologises' over his fuel price remarks

Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Investments, Trade & Industry Moses Kuria. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria now says he regrets his earlier remarks indicating that the price of fuel is likely to go up in the coming months owing to global dynamics.

In a Tweet which many have termed as sarcastic, and sent out at 2 a.m., Wednesday, September 20, Kuria apologised 'profusely' stating that human is to err adding that he has since been advised that his sentiments were misplaced.

"I have since been advised by people like Dr. Boni Khaleale (Khalwale) and his master that the statement was incorrect, insensitive, and ARROGANT. I am made to understand that the price (fuel) will come down," Kuria took to his X, formerly Twitter account to apologise.

The tweet has gotten a section of social media users questioning who Kuria was referring to as Khalwale's 'master'.

The CS who is not new to controversy, has been castigated by various leaders including Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for what was termed as reckless remarks and insensitive to Kenyans who are struggling with the high cost of living.

In a statement on Sunday, 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.

"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.  

On the 15th of September, Kuria urged Kenyans to dig their own wells if they were 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. 

His sentiments were echoed by Ruto's top economic advisor David Ndii who also was commenting on the fuel hike, 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.

Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale had also called on the Head of State to sack Trade CS Moses Kuria, his energy counterpart Davis Chirchir, and the Ruto’s economic advisor David Ndii over their controversial remarks on the cost of fuel.