Azimio la Umoja coalition has criticized President William Ruto’s first year in office calling it a disaster.
On Friday, September 15, opposition leader Raila Odinga remarked that the lives of Kenyans have been made harder by the government and that the current state of governance is unwelcoming in comparison to the past. Several basic necessities like sugar, maize flour, rent, and electricity have experienced a notable hike in prices within a year.
“As we are beginning the second year of Kenya Kwanza regime, it is clear we are in a reckless race to the bottom. All indicators point to the fact that life is deteriorating not improving meaning we are looking at a more severe second year under Kenya Kwanza,” said Odinga.
The opposition claims that a recent increase in fuel prices could potentially lead to a 70% hike in the price of goods in the near future. Azimio is suggesting that the government should review and improve upon the country’s economy as it begins its second year. Odinga has asserted that the actions taken by those in charge will dictate whether or not they face the same outcome as other ineffective governments in the continent.
Meanwhile, the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has sparked controversy with its decision to raise fuel prices, causing public service vehicles to increase fares by 20%. By raising petroleum, diesel, and kerosene costs by considerable amounts, the new prices in Nairobi are now at Sh211.64, Sh201, and Sh202.13, respectively.
In response to EPRA’s price policy, Trade Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has hinted at a possible increase in fuel prices until February 2024. This confirmation has dashed the hopes of many Kenyans. Also on Friday, Kuria mentioned in a post on X that price hikes will be a trend for months to follow.
