Where is the Bottom? - Raila Hits Out at President Ruto

Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga has questioned President William Ruto about the Bottom Up economic model that he campaigned for during the 2022 general elections.

In a statement on Wednesday, March 8, the former premier highlighted how the Kenyan economy is still performing badly months after President Ruto took over power.

Raila slammed the Head of State for increasing the State House budget by five billion and also introducing offices of the spouse of the Prime CS and that of the first daughter.

“Today, months after Kenya Kwanza came to power, day in, day out, we are bombarded how badly things were when the Kenya Kwanza regime took over. William Ruto never tires of telling us how President Uhuru Kenyatta ruined the country.

“It does not seem to matter that Ruto was Deputy President that entire period. It doesn't seem to occur to him that he found the Statehouse budget pegged at 4Billion, which he increased to 9 billion ostensibly for tea and mandazi. He has introduced offices hitherto unheard of in public service including prayer warriors, office of the first daughter and office of the spouse of the Prime CS,” the statement read in part.

The ODM leader called out Kenya Kwanza Cabinet Secretaries for telling Kenyans how the economy is performing poorly instead of working to fix the problem.

“We do not pay cabinet secretaries or principal secretaries to tell us how bad things are. Kenyans know that already. We do not pay the government to tell us where and how things went wrong and who is responsible. We do not pay this administration to supply us with morticians, deniers and revisionists which is what we seem to have,” said Raila.

He further questioned the Ruto government when will things get better for Kenyans and the economy stable.

“Our question to William Ruto, Gachagua the team at the National Treasury and the so called council of economic advisers are: When are things going to get better? When will the shilling stop falling and losing to other currencies? When will the shortage of dollars end? When will the price of essential commodities come down? What is the plan? Can the plan be shared with Kenyans?” the ODM leader questioned.

He vowed to lead Kenyans into demonstrations in the next few days should the Kenya Kwanza government fail to address the concerns. 

"We want answers and if they do not come in the next few days, we will have no option but to lead our supporters into these offices for answers. We will follow these officers anywhere and everywhere for answers and not warnings,” Raila stated.