NAIROBI, Kenya May 16 – People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua has drawn parallels between Kenya’s current economic situation and the challenges experienced during the late former President Daniel arap Moi era, saying the country continues to grapple with high living costs and governance failures.
In a post shared on social media, Karua said that Kenyans were already facing high fuel prices and economic hardship in June 1997, adding that the situation remains largely unchanged nearly three decades later.
“In June 1997, Moi was in power. Fuel prices and cost of living were high and our rights were under attack,” she stated. “29 years later, different era, same struggle.”
Karua argued that despite Kenya’s strong economic potential, the country has remained stuck in recurring challenges linked to corruption, poor governance, and misplaced priorities.
“Kenya is blessed with so much potential, we cannot remain trapped in an endless cycle of corruption, poor priorities and injustice,” she noted.
She further called for national unity and urged Kenyans to support leadership that can effectively address systemic economic and governance problems.
“We must unite and put in place leadership that can truly break this endless cycle of unnecessary misfortune,” she added.
Her remarks come shortly after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority announced an upward review of fuel prices, which triggered public concern over the rising cost of living.
The latest adjustment saw Super Petrol and Diesel prices increase significantly in Nairobi, intensifying pressure on households and businesses already struggling with inflation.
Karua also referenced historical data showing that fuel prices in 1997 were significantly lower in nominal terms, highlighting the long-term escalation in petroleum costs and its impact on the economy.