Trade CS Moses Kuria has responded after his remarks on the high cost of fuel caused an uproar from a section of Kenyans.
According to Kuria, his job as a member of the Cabinet is to advice on business, based on science.
The CS insisted that his earlier remarks were based on science, and went on to state how it is projected that the cost of fuel could still rise to much higher rates than it is currently.
"August fuel stocks will land in October. The cost is well known and it's scientific. September shipments will land in November. Costs are also known. From there we move to Winter in the US and expected stockpiles.
"And then the bilateral arrangements between Saudis and Russia on the one side and China and India on the other hand plus ongoing oil cuts. As Minister responsible for the Private Sector mine is to advise business based on science not truthful voodoo," Kuria said.
On Saturday, the CS came under fire for telling Kenyans complaining of high fuel prices to drill their own oil wells.
In a video shared by Citizen Digital, the CS said the whole world was aware that the prices of crude oil have gone up and it is not a secret.
"Ukishinda umesema bei ya mafuta imeongezeka kutoka asubuhi mpaka jioni, si uchimbe kisima chako? (When you keep on complaining that the prices of fuel have gone up, why don't you just drill your own oil well?)" he said.
Kuria further linked the rising cost of fuel to climate change-related issues.
Following his remarks, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua cautioned all state appointees against addressing Kenyans with arrogance.
Gachagua who had just jetted back into the country from Colombia, expressed concern that public servants who are in office to serve Kenyans were instead talking down on the very Kenyans they are supposed to serve.
He said it is high time that leaders, particularly those whom Ruto has given the privilege to serve Kenyans, exercise caution in addressing the People of Kenya, whom he said are their employers.
“Talking down on the people and demoralising those who look up to them for solutions and a way out of the difficult situation they find themselves in is not good leadership. Please do not spite the people of Kenya,” Gachagua said.
