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If we say our leaders are self-centered, we are told we lack respect. But respect is two-way.
In Africa, Governments are formed not to serve the people but to serve politicians and their families. Even during days of presidents Daniel Moi, Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta, the same mismanagement of public resources was prevalent. But we expected William Ruto to change this culture and manage our resources well because he had showed some signs of goodwill. But this seems to have just been wishful thinking from us who supported him.
During the last campaigns, Dr. Ruto sounded a people-friendly leader who had the poor at heart. Everything he said and promised looked colourful and gave us a dream of brighter future and hope, atleast.
He detached himself from the rich and preached equality in the society. He refused to sit in five-star-hotels with the wealth Kikuyus to plan who becomes the next president. We, therefore, thought he was part of us. We confused him with the second saviour after Jesus.
Ruto pulled all these stunts that finally paid of. He would then be elected as our president despite heavy resistance from his boss Uhuru Kenyatta. Today, he is sitting in the same chair Moi, Kibaki and Uhuru sat. He is occupying the House on the Hill. And can now do whatever he wants. He can decide to deliver on his promises or not. Because he has powers to rearrange this country the way he wants. Thank God for being so kind to Ruto who asked for office and got one.
But as we continue to wait, reports have emerged that Ruto’s office is pushing for a staggering 327% increase in its budget allocation, seeking Ksh 15.6 billion, up from the current Ksh 4.7 billion, even as millions of Kenyans still battle economic hardship.
Documents from the Budget Policy Statement (BPS) for 2025/26 reveal that the bulk of this proposed increase (Ksh11.5 billion) would be channelled towards recurrent expenditure, with only Ksh 4.1 billion allocated for development projects.
This massive financial demand comes at a time when the government has been tightening tax policies, forcing ordinary citizens to shoulder a heavier financial burden with a promise that the economy will be good.
My question is, does our current leadership know that millions of us sleep hungry, don’t have school fees and can’t access medication? Do this government know that some of us hardly can earn Ksh 200 a day?
Ruto promised to reduce NHIF premium from Ksh 500 to Ksh 300. But as we speak today, no word and no such an indication. And life goes on.
We don’t want President Ruto to do all he promised us in campaigns because it’s not and will never be possible. Even in America, a developed economy, it has never been possible. Obama was loved by many Americans and had a wealthy Government but still he couldn’t sort out all their(Americans) challenges. So, if it couldn’t happen in the U. S. how can we expect it to happen here in Kenya? However, Ruto can start somewhere and reach somewhere. That’s all we are saying.
In fact, if you ask me to deliver an advise to him, the president can focus on one area and complete it to a certain level. Yes, Let him start with food security and health.
This song of ‘improving our economy’ every day is tired in our ears. Leave economy to sort out itself. Markets do adjust themselves. Just focus on food security and health, add education and everything else will fall in place. You promised us alot but we don’t want to remind you of that. Just give our families food and health. The two are enough Mr. President.
