Octopizzo demands accountability as fuel and gas prices bite
By Ascah Mwango, April 17, 2026Kenyan hip-hop star Octopizzo has called out leaders over the rising cost of living, especially fuel and cooking gas prices that continue to squeeze ordinary citizens.
In a statement shared via his X account on Thursday, April 16, 2026, Octopizzo expressed concern that the economic pressure facing households is becoming unbearable. He warned that leaders must stop treating public frustration like background noise and instead face the reality on the ground.
“The continued rise in cooking gas and fuel prices is placing an unsustainable burden on citizens. It is important for both current leaders and those now in opposition to recognise that this generation is informed, aware, and attentive,” he stated.
He went further to remind politicians that Kenyans today are watching closely and keeping receipts, both literal and political. In his message, he suggested that accountability is not seasonal and cannot be switched on only when elections are near.
“June 25, 2024 marked a turning point, a reminder that accountability must be consistent. Those who once supported policies contributing to today’s challenges cannot simply rebrand themselves without addressing their past positions,” he added.
He also called for a shift in how leadership is practiced, urging transparency and responsibility over political convenience and image management. His tone suggested that leadership should feel less like a performance and more like actual service delivery.
“Leadership must be grounded in responsibility, transparency, and genuine commitment to the people, not convenience,” he stated.
This comes a day after blasting the government over the latest fuel price hike, capturing the frustration many Kenyans are feeling as pump prices continue to rise and stretch household budgets.
In a statement shared on his X account on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, he expressed frustration over what he described as repeated contradictions in communication about fuel supply and pricing.
He painted a picture that many Kenyans are familiar with, where announcements sound reassuring one day, only for the reality at the pump to change without warning.
“Last week, we were told fuel prices would remain stable, that there was enough supply. Today, prices are up again. This disconnect is exactly what frustrates Kenyans. Promises on one hand, reality on the other. And it’s the ordinary citizen who pays the price literally. Kenya ni capping kila corner,” Octopizzo stated.
The remarks came shortly after the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced new fuel prices for the April to May review period. In Nairobi, super petrol now retails at Ksh206.97 per litre, while diesel stands at Ksh206.84 per litre, a sharp jump that has shocked motorists and transport operators across the country.
Diesel recorded one of the biggest increases, rising by more than Ksh40 per litre, while petrol went up by nearly Ksh29. This marks one of the steepest fuel adjustments in recent months, pushing the cost of transport and basic commodities even higher.
According to EPRA, the increase was driven by rising global crude oil prices and higher import costs. The landed cost of fuel has gone up significantly, with international market pressure directly affecting local pump prices despite government efforts to cushion consumers.
However, just a day later, the situation shifted after the government adjusted the taxation policy. A reduction in Value Added Tax on fuel products from 13 per cent down to 8 percent triggered a partial reversal, with EPRA revising pump prices downward by about Ksh9 for petrol and Ksh10 for diesel, offering limited relief to consumers.
Despite the adjustment, many Kenyans have continued to express concern that the relief does not fully offset earlier increases, especially given how quickly prices can swing within the same month. Transport operators, in particular, remain cautious, often adjusting fares slowly to avoid losing customers in an already strained economy.