Opposition leaders on Friday intensified criticism of President William Ruto’s administration over the rising cost of living and increasing fuel prices, saying many Kenyans were struggling to survive amid worsening economic hardship.
The leaders, who spoke during the burial of the mother of Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, Teresa Omoke at Mosocho in Kisii County, accused the Kenya Kwanza government of failing to address the concerns of ordinary citizens burdened by high taxes, unemployment and escalating prices of basic commodities.
Jubilee Party Presidential Fred Matiang’i, said Kenyans have already lost ost confidence in President Ruto’s administration because of what he described as unfulfilled promises, heavy taxation and the soaring cost of essential goods.
“People are tired of lies and cannot bear it anymore. People were promised jobs, lower taxes and affordable living, but what they are experiencing today is pain and frustration,” Matiang’i said.
He noted that many families could no longer comfortably afford food, transport and other basic needs due to repeated fuel price increases and rising taxes.
Matiang’i also urged leaders currently serving in government but dissatisfied with the prevailing political environment to reconsider their allegiance ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“I strongly believe you are intelligent people who can read the signs of the times. This is the moment to leave before you perish politically,” he said.
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka declared that the time for political change had arrived, saying Kenyans were exhausted by economic hardships and unfulfilled promises.
“The time for change is now. Kenyans are tired,” Kalonzo said adding that a win for Ruto in 2027 will spell doom for the country
He added that opposition leaders were working towards unity ahead of the 2027 elections to provide what he termed as credible and people-centred leadership.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna accused Kisii Governor Simba Arati of betraying the opposition through his recent political association with Oburu Odinga.
Sifuna termed Arati an unreliable ally and urged residents to reject him in the next election.
Former Justice Minister Martha Karua said opposition leaders were determined to unite behind one presidential candidate to challenge President Ruto in 2027.
“We shall eventually agree on a joint candidate because Kenyans deserve leadership that listens to their cries,” Karua said.
East African Legislative Assembly member Winnie Odinga called for people-centred politics, saying leadership should focus on solving challenges affecting ordinary wananchi rather than personal interests.
“We need politics that puts people first. Leadership should be about serving citizens and finding solutions to the problems affecting families every day,” she said.
Winnie also criticised what she termed as insensitive leadership, saying many young Kenyans remained jobless while families continued to struggle with the high cost of living.
Former nominated senator Millicent Omanga accused President Ruto of traversing the country launching projects that had failed to materialise, while former South Mugirango MP Omingo Magara described Matiang’i as “the antidote needed to fix Kenya.”
Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Gisairo challenged the government to lower fuel prices, saying every increase had pushed up the cost of transport and food.
The event was also attended by Senator Godfrey Ososi, MPs Anthony Kibagendi and Babu Owino, Obadiah Barongo, Innocent Obiri, nominated senators Essy Okenyuri and Gloria Orwoba, former Kisii Governor James Ongwae, Senator Sam Ongeri and former Kitutu Chache North MP Jimmy Angwenyi.
They all sounded optimism at the readiness by the opposition to unseat Ruto.
The leaders had gathered for the burial of Teresa Omoke, an 82-year-old retired cleric with Gusii Farmers Cooperative Society and a devoted Catholic faithful.
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