A new battle is ensuing between National Super Alliance (NASA) leader Raila Odinga and the government over the new Sh200 billion Eurobond.
Speaking on Friday at ODM's National Governing Council (NGC) meeting, Raila Odinga hit out at the government over excessive borrowing, saying their budgetary decisions are leading Kenyans into debt.
“When the times are tough and uncertain when everything we’ve fought for and gains we’ve made are threatened, Kenyans look at ODM for direction,” he said.
He said ODM's mission is not only to ensure economic reforms but also electoral and democratic reforms.
“Something is rotten in the state of Kenya…we are stuck at a crossroad uncertain whether to turn left, right or fire right ahead. The driver does not know, the conductor does not know, we have been presented by the most uninspiring cabinet in our history designed to always seek guidance from the conductor and the driver. The passengers are crossing their fingers knowing very well they are on their own," said the NASA leader.
“When the cost of living is going through the window for the umpteenth time under Jubilee, when the education sector is in a mess like it is right now, when the regime is piling new debts on top of old ones, Kenyans look at ODM and NASA to fight for them,” he added.
He further noted that ODM has put its house in order to fight against what he termed as Jubilee dictatorial regime.
In his address in Nyeri, Deputy President William Ruto, however, faulted the Opposition for their apparent criticism of government borrowing, saying the government has a plan aimed at improving the lives of Kenyans.
“Any borrowing is borrowing that is measured and that we have the capacity to pay. It is in the interest of the country and we remain a prudent and responsible government,” he said.
Ruto said that the loan would be used to fund the Jubilee government’s Big Four Agenda; housing, food security, manufacturing and universal health.