By Alex Wekesa
Bumula Member of Parliament Jack Wamboka has urged President William Ruto to reconsider reducing fuel prices in order to cushion low-income earners.
Speaking at Kisawayi Primary School in Siboti Ward during a women’s empowerment programme, Wamboka said that the rising cost of fuel had made life increasingly difficult for many Kenyans.
He explained that the increase in fuel prices affects nearly every sector of the economy, including boda boda operators, small-scale vegetable traders (mama mboga), and the transport industry.
Wamboka stated, “The rise in fuel prices affects almost every sector and places an extra burden on ordinary citizens.” He added that when the Kenya Kwanza government assumed office, it increased fuel-related taxes from 8 per cent to 16 per cent, a move he described as punitive to the common mwananchi.
The legislator further revealed that at the time, he and Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga opposed the Finance Bill that sought to raise taxes on essential commodities such as fuel.
He challenged the Kenya Kwanza administration, under President Ruto, to find sustainable ways of lowering fuel prices to ease the high cost of living.
Wamboka also criticised the government for what he termed as failure to ensure equitable distribution of development projects across all regions.
He alleged that President Ruto had concentrated major development projects in certain regions, particularly the Central region and parts of Rift Valley, while neglecting Western Kenya.
He remarked, “Development must be shared fairly across all regions without discrimination.” He pointed out that several key projects in Bungoma County, including the Misikhu–Brigadier road, had stalled despite the region’s strong support for President Ruto in the 2022 General Election.
The MP insisted that the government must fulfil its mandate by distributing development projects fairly across the country.
In addition, Wamboka criticised National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, accusing him of failing to champion the interests of Bungoma residents despite holding a senior position in government.
He claimed that Wetang’ula had not effectively represented the concerns of the people of Western Kenya.
Wamboka also took issue with Wetang’ula’s presidential ambitions, alleging that he had repeatedly postponed his bid.
He urged the Luhya community not to take such promises seriously, suggesting instead that they should focus on emerging leaders.
He called on Wetang’ula to step aside and allow younger leaders such as Edwin Sifuna to rise to top leadership positions.
According to Wamboka, the Luhya community has long aspired to produce a presidential leader, and it is time to nurture and support a new generation of leadership.
Wamboka said, “A new leader has emerged, and it is our responsibility to support and nurture him for the future.”
Meanwhile, through the NG-CDF, the legislator supported 17 women’s groups from Malambisia by donating 17 tents, 1,700 chairs, and KSh 850,000 as seed capital to boost their economic activities.
