Trade Cabinet Secretary Kuria has apologised over his remarks on fuel prices that sparked a backlash from Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Kenyans.
Kuria over the weekend made a number of comments that angered Kenyans explaining why fuel prices will not be coming down anytime soon.
In one of the tweets the Cabinet Secretary while explaining the hike in crude oil prices asked Kenyans to stop complaining or drill their own boreholes.
“I repeat. Petrol will be Sh260 by February 2024…El Nino is coming in three weeks which will last till March. These are global and climate change driven,” he wrote.
“Responsible leaders ought to tell the truth to prepare the people. You can throw stones at me all you want…” said the CS.
Yet again Kuria in what DP Gacghagua termed as arrogant defended himself saying as a minister in charge he was advising businesses based on science and not truthful voodoo.
However, the CS Wednesday morning in what appeared to be an insincere apology according to reactions on social media said he had retracted his comments following advise that the prices would come down.
“Dear Kenyans. On Friday 15th September I made some comments indicating that the price of fuel is likely to go up in the coming months owing to global dynamics. I have since been advised by people like Dr Boni Khalwale and his master that the statement was incorrect, insensitive and ARROGANT. I am made to now understand that the price will come down. I apologise profusely since to err is human” he said.
Gachagua Sunday warned state officials to exercise caution while addressing their employer; the people of Kenya.
“Responsible leaders should be sensitive and inspire hope in the people, talking down on the people and demoralizing those who look up to them for solutions and a way out of the difficult situation they find themselves in is not good leadership. Do not spite the people of Kenya,” he said.
Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale is among leaders who have called for the sacking of Kuria.
This is not the first time CS Kuria is in trouble over his utterances.
