Calls for President William Ruto to leave State House should not be the opposition’s only political message, Government Spokesperson Charles Owino has said, challenging its leaders to spell out what they would do differently if handed the country’s leadership.
Speaking during a press briefing at Harambee Annex in Nairobi on Wednesday, Owino said political parties seeking to replace the current administration must give voters a clear programme and explain how they intend to address the country’s problems.
He said opposition leaders have a duty to question government decisions and demand accountability, but should equally present their own proposals for the country.
Owino said the opposition should position itself as a government in waiting and give Kenyans enough information to judge whether it is prepared to take over.
His remarks came amid criticism of Ruto and calls by some opposition leaders for the President to serve one term.
Owino said there was nothing permanent about Ruto’s stay in office, noting that the Constitution already sets limits on presidential tenure.
“The President must go. We know the President must go at one time. Whether one term or two terms, he must go because that is what our constitution has provided,” Owino said
He, however, challenged opposition leaders to explain what they would leave behind for the next generation and how their leadership would improve the country.
“But what are you leaving for these young people who are coming up? What are you going to do better?” the spokesperson asked.
Owino also put the media on notice, urging journalists to subject both the government and opposition to difficult questions instead of allowing either side to escape scrutiny.
“So the media I’m asking you, ask hard questions so that you can. And even me, ask me hard questions,” he said.
The spokesperson made the remarks as he defended the Ruto administration’s performance and asked Kenyans to assess its record against the President’s 2022 campaign pledges.
He urged citizens to revisit the manifesto and examine progress in agriculture, affordable housing, universal healthcare, support for micro, small and medium enterprises and the digital superhighway.
On agriculture, Owino cited the reduction in fertiliser prices, saying the cost had fallen from about Sh7,000 to Sh2,500. He said the government was working towards bringing the price down further to Sh2,000.
He also pointed to increased coffee prices as another issue that should be considered when evaluating the administration’s record.
Owino said the government inherited a large debt burden, which he said should also be taken into account when judging its performance.
On education, he said Sh307.5 billion had been released for school capitation, including money allocated in the current financial year.
He added that funding for the Ministry of Education had grown and that more than 100,000 teachers had been recruited, while another 20,000 were expected to join the teaching workforce.
Owino further called on Kenyans to contribute to discussions on the country’s development beyond Vision 2030, saying citizens should propose solutions in areas where they feel government performance needs to improve.
