Kennedy Odhiambo Obudho, the Member of County Assembly for Sukari Ward in Kiambu County, has launched a scathing attack on President William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza administration, accusing the government of presiding over a worsening economic crisis and allegedly selling strategic national assets to foreign interests.
Speaking during a public address, Obudho, who also serves as the Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee in the Kiambu County Assembly, said the country was facing difficult economic times characterized by rising fuel prices, increased cost of basic commodities and growing public frustration.
The MCA cited the recent nationwide matatu operators’ strike and demonstrations over fuel prices as evidence of the hardships ordinary Kenyans are enduring.
“Kenya is in a bad state,” Obudho said, adding that the rising cost of living had pushed many citizens to the edge. He pointed to increased prices of construction materials such as iron sheets, cement and tiles, as well as sugar, claiming the situation was being worsened by what he termed as conflict of interest within the country’s leadership.
Obudho alleged that businesses linked to the President were benefiting from the supply of various commodities, claims he said had raised concerns among Kenyans over the concentration of economic power.
He further criticized the government over the privatization and sale of sugar factories in the Nyanza region, warning that transferring such public assets into private hands would hurt local communities in the future.
“If you go to Nyanza now, all the sugar companies have been sold to private entities. After some years, people will suffer because those things have gone into the hands of a few people,” he stated.
The outspoken MCA also questioned recent engagements between the Kenyan government and foreign leaders, particularly the visit by French President Emmanuel Macron, alleging that some public assets may have been secretly sold or leased to foreign interests.
Without providing evidence, Obudho called on former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna to investigate the agreements entered into during the visit.
“We want investigations conducted thoroughly so Kenyans can know what has been sold,” he said, mentioning strategic installations such as Dongo Kundu, Wilson Airport and other national properties.
Obudho accused elected leaders allied to the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party of failing to defend wananchi against harsh economic policies and rising costs of living.
He urged Kenyans to use the ballot box to remove leaders they feel have failed to protect public interests, saying voting remains the most effective democratic tool for accountability.
“These MPs cannot go there and defend us. If leaders cannot protect citizens, then Kenyans should remove them through votes,” he said.
The MCA also declared that he would not join the ruling party, distancing himself from UDA and calling on citizens to reject leaders they believe are mismanaging the country.
His remarks come amid heightened political tensions and growing public debate over the rising cost of living, fuel prices and the government’s economic policies, which have triggered protests and criticism from opposition leaders and sections of the public across the country.
