• A section of Kenyans assigned the statement varied interpretations with some alleging the CS could be alluding to an impending drop in fuel prices.
• Kuria sent out the statement just two days before the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Epra) is set to review fuel prices.
Image: SCREENGRAB
Public Service, Performance and Delivery Management Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has left Kenyans on edge after he hinted at impending good news in the coming days.
In a brief statement on his X handle on Sunday, the CS left a lot to be desired as he urged Kenyans to brave the prevailing hard times whilst insinuating that the situation won't prevail for long.
"Good News Soon. Hang in there Dear Kenyans," the message read.
A cross-section of Kenyans assigned the statement varied interpretations with some alleging the CS could be alluding to an impending drop in fuel prices.
"Fuel coming down?" asked @David1Mutai.
"Fuel to drop by 1 shilling," @wisereformer said in jest.
"Waziri, is this before or after fuel reaches 300? added @farhiyaabass.
Kuria sent out the statement just two days before the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (Epra) is set to review fuel prices.
In last month's review, fuel prices surged further to a high of Sh217.36 for a litre of Super petrol in Nairobi, Sh205.47 for diesel and Sh205.06 for a litre of kerosene in the October-November cycle.
On November 6, Energy CS Davis Chirchir hinted that the prices could hit a new high of Sh300 owing to the Israel-Gaza conflict further pushing Kenyans on the precipice of despair.
Kuria's statement seemingly threw Kenyans into further confusion but @LilKoima asked Kenyans to heed the CS's remarks.
"When waziri speaks, we should all listen," he said even as @NimuKiarie wondered if Kuria was hinting at the introduction of more taxes.
"Mumeintroduce taxes gani tena?" she asked.
Kuria previously drew public condemnation after he said Kenyans should brace for higher fuel prices that would hit the Sh260 mark by February.
"Global Crude Prices are on an upward trajectory. For planning purposes expect pump prices to go up by Sh10 every month till February," he said in a statement on September 15.
His statement came a day after Epra reviewed fuel prices by the highest margin and saw prices cross the Sh200 mark for the first time in history.
What followed was a public outcry as Kenyans lamented about the price review coming at a time when they were still struggling with the high cost of living.
But in his characteristic fashion, Kuria told off those complaining about the historic fuel price hike and asked them to drill their oil wells for cheaper fuel.
"Sasa ukishinda kutoka asubuhi mpaka jioni ukilalamika , 'bei ya mafuta imeongezeka'. Si Uchimbe kisima yako," he said.
(If you spend the whole day complaining about fuel price increases, drill your oil well)
"Dunia mzima tunajua bei ya crude oil imeenda juu, na kama wale watu wa makelele wako na kisima mimi niko tayari kuchimba kesho (We know the world over prices of crude oil have gone up and if those making noise have wells I'm ready to drill them tomorrow," Kuria added while speaking on September 16.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua who was out of the country during that time told the CS on his return to respect Kenyans and address them with respect.
"You do not address your employer with arrogance. Do so with Humility and Decorum. Kenyans, like the rest of the world, are going through difficult economic times and leaders should address them with Sensitivity and Empathy," the DP said on September 17.