Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has cautioned Trade and Investment Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria against displaying arrogance and using insensitive language when discussing the challenges affecting Kenyans, particularly the recent surge in oil prices.

Kuria has been openly criticizing critics of President William Ruto's administration regarding the recent rise in fuel prices on various public platforms and his social media account. This has been interpreted as making light of the well-being of Kenyans.

After returning from a trip to Colombia, Gachagua emphasized the need for CS Kuria and other public servants to communicate with caution when addressing Kenyans, especially concerning their welfare.

"I want to remind them that even though the Kenyan people did not directly hire them, they wholeheartedly elected H.E President William Ruto, who then appointed them Cabinet Secretaries and Advisors. Consequently, they are employed by Kenyans. Addressing your employer with arrogance is not appropriate. Approach them with humility and respect," he stated.

The Deputy President stressed that the haughty language used by certain leaders does not reflect the official stance of the government. He clarified that the issue of fuel prices is a global challenge and assured that the situation will improve as time progresses.

"Things will improve as we move forward. The Government is well aware of and empathetic to the difficulties Kenyans are facing today. The arrogant remarks made by a few leaders do not, in any way, represent the official Government position or that of President William Ruto," Gachagua affirmed.

He conveyed that exchanges between public servants and citizens aiming to undermine hope regarding global fuel price issues are insensitive.

"Kenyans, like the rest of the world, are enduring challenging economic times, and leaders should address them with sensitivity and understanding. Responsible leaders should show empathy and inspire hope in the people—the hope for a better tomorrow," Gachagua remarked.

The Deputy President cautioned Cabinet Secretaries against disheartening Kenyans, noting that their behavior undermines President William Ruto's efforts to promote servant leadership.

"Speaking condescendingly to the people and demotivating those who look up to them for solutions and a way out of their difficult circumstances is not good leadership. Please do not belittle the people of Kenya," Gachagua urged.

In a straightforward manner, Kuria told those criticizing President William Ruto's administration to either remain silent or take action to mitigate the crisis by drilling their own oil wells. He insisted that the fuel price increase is a global issue.

"If you keep complaining all day about the fuel price increase, why not dig your own oil well? For those individuals making noise, if they have their own well, I'm ready to start digging tomorrow," he remarked.

The Trade Cabinet Secretary has been vocal about preparing Kenyans for tough times ahead due to the escalating fuel prices, stating that the pain at the pump will continue until February next year.

On his social media account, the CS urged Kenyans to brace themselves for the impact.

"Global crude prices are consistently rising. For planning purposes, anticipate a monthly increase of Ksh 10 in pump prices until February," he posted.

Later, Kuria defended his statements as a responsible act based on factual information regarding the escalating fuel prices, attributing the increase to global and climate change factors.

"I reiterate, petrol will reach Sh260 by February. El Nino is arriving in 3 weeks and will last until March. These factors are driven by global and climate change issues. Responsible leaders should speak the truth to prepare the people. Criticism is welcome, but truth is paramount," he concluded.