Several Kenyans are furious after Kenya’s regulator announced the highest fuel prices in recent memory.

The price of petrol in Nairobi rose overnight from 212 shillings ($1.40; £1.20) to 212 shillings ($1.40; £1.20) per litre – a rise of 9% to 20% across different types of fuel.

While countrywide protests against government economic policies and high living costs have taken place in recent months, this move comes despite those protests.

In an interview with X (formerly Twitter), David Ndii, Chief Economic Advisor to President William Ruto, said it’s going to be painful and “may not work”.

There has been a trending topic on social media regarding Mr Ndii as well as the fuel prices.

We believe that people who use a wheelbarrow as a party symbol have any idea how to fix the country. It is our fault for believing them,” a Kenyan said on X.

The price of diesel for matatus [public minivans] has increased by 21.32 shillings. The price of kerosene, which the poor majority uses, has increased by 33.13 shillings.

When President Ruto came into office last September, he removed fuel subsidies.