Change of tune as DP Ruto now criticizes gov’t over rising public debt

In a dramatic change of position, DP William Ruto launched a scathing attack at the government’s heavy borrowing saying it continues to cripple the economy.

Also Read: DP Ruto defends Kenya’s appetite for borrowing 

In his continued onslaught against the Jubilee administration, DP Ruto took a swipe at the country’s record of excessive borrowing.

“Katika Kenya yetu kufikia sasa hata mtoto hajazaliwa yuko na deni ya Kenya,” he lamented.

Dr. Ruto, who essentially should be the President Uhuru Kenyatta’s principal assistant, took jabs at his own administration warning that the appetite for loans to finance development projects is hurting the economy.

According to him, the country’s economy stares at a bleak future due to extensive debt as the government has misplaced priorities when budgeting.

The deputy president maintained that his hustler movement will empower Kenyans to pay taxes that will be used to spur development rather than depend on loans.

“Tukihakikisha ya kwamba watu wawe na uwezo wa kufanya biashara, watu watalipa ushuru na tutakuwa na pesa ya maendeleo sio madeni ya China ambayo inatuletea kisirani,” he averred.

He was speaking during the Sunday service for Friends Church (Quarkers) that was held at the Malava Primary School grounds in Kakamega County.

President Kenyatta recently accused his deputy of double speak, taking credit for outstanding projects while criticizing government at will.

Last week, he even dared his deputy to quit government but a bullish Ruto said he would not budge.

DP Ruto’s turnaround on government borrowing is in contrast to statements he made in 2018 in defense of the government’s debt appetite.

At the time, the Deputy President said the borrowing was well thought out with a clear roadmap of implementation and repayment.

He spoke a day after the National treasury signed off a new Eurobond facility of Ksh. 200billion that put the country’s economic fortunes in uncertainty at a time the international monetary fund had warned of a bleak future.