As Kenyans decry high cost of living, Ichungwa asserts that the nation is debt free

National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwa asserts that Kenya is financially stable despite public concerns about the rising cost of living. Ichungwa, who is also the Kikuyu Member of Parliament, attributes Kenya’s debt security to the efforts of President William Ruto. He commends Ruto for steering the country in a positive economic direction, especially compared to some other African nations facing debt defaults.

In a video statement, Ichungwa praises President Ruto for the leadership that has positioned Kenya as a nation respecting its creditors. While not specifying the countries facing debt challenges in Africa, Ichungwa claims that Kenya, under Ruto’s leadership, is economically secure and avoids defaulting on its debt obligations.

“These are great and glorious things that the Lord has done for us. We give thanks to Him, praise Him, and let it be known to all nations of the world that the Lord God has done great and glorious things for our country,” Ichungwa stated in his message.

These comments from Ichungwa come at a time when there is public outcry over the increasing cost of living in Kenya. President Ruto has made adjustments to taxes and levies, including raising the fuel VAT from 8 percent to 16 percent and introducing the controversial housing levy through the Finance Act 2023. Despite opposition from the Azimio la Umoja coalition, Ruto defends these measures, asserting that they have helped Kenya emerge from a difficult economic situation. His deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, consistently claims that the Kenya Kwanza Government inherited a struggling economy from former President Uhuru Kenyatta.