During a recent television interview, Matiang'i was asked what he would do differently if he were in President Ruto’s position.
He responded firmly that the current high fuel prices would never have reached this level under his watch.
Matiang'i criticized what he described as silly opaque agreements that are claimed to be government-to-government deals but are not genuine. He vowed he would never allow cartels to operate freely in the oil sector as they are doing now.
Matiang'i argued that proper management and transparency in fuel importation could have prevented the sharp increases that are currently burdening Kenyan households and businesses.
He accused certain players of exploiting the system, leading to inflated costs that affect transport fares, food prices, and the overall cost of living.
The remarks come at a time when fuel prices have continued to rise despite earlier government assurances. President Ruto has defended the hikes by citing infrastructure needs, road maintenance levies, and global oil market pressures.
However, opposition figures and ordinary citizens have demanded immediate relief through lower taxes and better regulation of the sector.
Political analysts say Matiang'i’s comments represent a significant challenge to the current administration. By directly contrasting his approach with the existing policies, the former interior minister has intensified pressure on the government to address public concerns over the fuel crisis.
As economic hardships mount, many Kenyans are closely watching how the administration responds to such criticism. The debate over fuel pricing, cartels, and importation deals is likely to dominate national conversations in the coming days.
Matiang'i’s bold statements have already sparked widespread discussion on social media, with supporters praising his clarity while government allies question the motives behind the timing.