By Prof.Gitile Naituli
If Raila Odinga signed a political truce with President William Ruto through the UDA-ODM power-sharing agreement, he justified it as a patriotic move for the benefit of Kenyans. His allies now control key economic ministries, including National Treasury, Energy, Co-operatives, and Mining—sectors that directly impact the livelihoods of millions of struggling Kenyans. However, his true test lies not in rhetoric but in tangible results.
If Raila’s partnership with Ruto was genuinely for the people and not personal gain, Kenyans expect immediate and bold action in the following areas:
1. Drastically Reduce the Cost of Electricity and Fuel the cost of living crisis is directly linked to high energy prices. Electricity tariffs and fuel costs remain crippling for households and businesses alike. With his appointees in the Ministry of Energy, Raila must push for reduced energy costs by reviewing exploitative independent power producer (IPP) contracts and eliminating unnecessary levies.Kenya’s electricity costs are inflated by unfair contracts signed with independent power producers. Raila must push for a renegotiation of these agreements and stop further licensing of exploitative firms. If he cannot protect Kenyans from this exploitation, then his claims of entering government for the people ring hollow. If he fails to act, Kenyans will rightly question his commitment to their welfare.
2. Lower Interest Rates to Reduce the Cost of Credit.The cost of borrowing in Kenya remains exorbitantly high, strangling businesses and stifling economic growth. With influence over the National Treasury, Raila should push for policies that lower interest rates, making credit more accessible to ordinary Kenyans and MSMEs. If he fails to deliver, he will have no moral authority to criticize the economic hardships faced by the people.
3. Clear All Outstanding Pending Bills.The government owes billions to contractors, suppliers, and businesses, many of whom are on the verge of collapse due to delayed payments. Raila’s team at the National Treasury must prioritize clearing these bills to inject much-needed liquidity into the economy. Failure to act would expose his participation in government as mere political posturing.
4. End Populist, Unplanned Government Spending.The Ruto administration has become notorious for impromptu, populist financial commitments that disrupt the national budget. Raila’s allies at the Treasury must put a stop to this fiscal recklessness by ensuring the government adheres strictly to national budgetary plans. If Raila cannot rein in this economic indiscipline, then his presence in government serves no public but his parochial interests.
5. Rationalize Taxation to Ease the Burden on citizens.Kenyans are overtaxed while multinational corporations, including Chinese firms, continue to exploit loopholes to evade taxation. Raila must push for a fair tax system—one that broadens the tax base, lowers personal income tax, and seals tax evasion gaps. If his team at the Treasury fails to deliver, Kenyans will see his deal with Ruto for what it truly is—a self-serving arrangement.
6. Strengthen MSMEs and Co-operativesThe backbone of Kenya’s economy is its micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and cooperative sector. Raila’s appointees in Co-operatives and MSMEs development must introduce real incentives—lower taxes, better credit facilities, and stronger policies to revamp struggling businesses. If nothing changes, Raila will be complicit in the continued economic suffering of Kenyans.
Finally, Raila Must Deliver or Drop the Pretense.Raila Odinga claims he joined Ruto’s government for the sake of Kenyans. If that is true, he must act now to bring down the cost of living, rationalize taxation, and protect Kenyans from economic exploitation.
If he remains silent while controlling key economic ministries, then his so-called “handshake for the people” is nothing more than an elite power deal. Kenyans are watching. If Raila does not deliver, history will judge him harshly.
The writer is lecturer at Multimedia University of Kenya
