Demos, Witchcraft Will Not Lower Cost of Unga, Says Ruto

President William Ruto has reiterated that protests will not help prices of unga to dip. 

Speaking during an interdenominational prayer gathering in Taita Taveta on Sunday, President William Ruto said investing in farmers and improving their access to cheap fertilizers and nearby stores would increase the country's food supply ultimately leading to a lower cost of living. Ruto has been vocal that protests do not positively impact Kenyans and has since encouraged Kenyans to focus on farming rather than demonstrating. 

"Our opposers are saying that by demonstrating the cost of living will go down, even by using witchcraft or other means will the cost of unga go down because of demonstrating?" he said. 

Dr Ruto further stated that the country will not rely on borrowed funds to meet government expenses. He added that his government is working with the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank to prevent further debt. The President plans to use local revenue to achieve his goals rather than resorting to more borrowing that could lead the country towards a crisis. In June, Ruto made a fresh push in advocating for his revenue-generating strategies as outlined in the Finance Act, 2023 which is currently suspended. 

“I have held several meetings with IMF and World Bank and all those we borrowed money from because we were heading to slippery grounds but I want to confirm to the people of Kenya that we have stabilised our economy and now we cannot e threatened by debts again,” he said. 

Ruto emphasises that he was elected to spur development and change the fortunes of Kenyans without plunging the country into more debt. Ruto's budget for 2023/24 aims to create employment opportunities and reduce unemployment rates among millions of Kenyans. His government has allocated Sh7 trillion to repay debt in its first term in office.

This highlights the alleged heavy debt burden inherited from previous administrations. Revised estimates from the Treasury show that the total cost of debt payments will amount to Sh7.071 trillion from the fiscal year 2023/24 to 2026/27, indicating the significant impact of the weighty debt load.