‘Wakenya Hawatakula Maneno’- Uhuru Calls Out Ruto To Address The Current Economic Situation

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has broken his silence on the state of the economy, issuing a blunt demand to the Kenya Kwanza administration to prioritize the skyrocketing cost of living over political theatrics.

In a rare and direct address to the current leadership, the former Head of State singled out fuel prices and transport costs as the primary engines of a “suffocating” economic climate that is pushing ordinary Kenyan households to the brink of collapse.

The “Kenyans Can’t Eat Words” Warning

Uhuru dismissed the government’s reliance on political rhetoric and infrastructure promises, arguing that development and speeches are meaningless if citizens cannot afford basic necessities.

“Kenyans will not eat words, education, or build roads with just talking,” Uhuru stated. “The issue is simple; Kenyans are complaining because of the high cost of living. It does not have tribalism or anything else; it needs all Kenyans.”

He emphasized that economic policy must translate into tangible relief at the dinner table, noting that the current pressure cannot be solved through blame games or looking into the rearview mirror.

Breaking Down the Household Crisis

To illustrate the depth of the financial distress, the former President provided a grim breakdown of the monthly budget for low-income earners. He noted that for a Kenyan earning a Sh20,000 salary:

• Sh8,000 is consumed by transport costs (linked to fuel prices).

• Sh10,000 (approx.) is swallowed by rent.

• Sh2,000 is left for food, school fees, and emergencies.

“The situation leaves families with very little disposable income,” he warned, adding that many are being pushed into deep and irreversible financial distress.

A Call for Unity Over “Tribalism”

Uhuru accused a section of leaders within the ruling administration of fueling ethnic divisions and inciting the public to distract from economic failures. He urged the government to abandon its “confrontational” stance and instead foster a collaborative environment to fix the economy.

“Do not talk about tribalism and other things. If you want us to help solve the problem, then reach out; we solve, but blaming others will not work. Let us sit together and solve. When the country has a problem, it involves all of us,” he added.

Rising Tensions and Civic Unrest

The former President’s remarks come in the wake of nationwide demonstrations where Kenyans have taken to the streets to protest the relentless rise in fuel costs.

Uhuru concluded by warning that political intolerance and the incitement of ethnic divisions by government officials risk undermining national peace and cohesion at a time when the country is already socially fragile due to economic hardship.