Lawyer Ndegwa Njiru has challenged President William Ruto’s recent promises to Kenyans, arguing that the commitments made at the UDA aspirants meeting at State House are political theatrics rather than real solutions to persistent economic pain.
In a post on X, Njiru said Kenyans should reject what he described as a “selective amnesia” that overlooks policies he claims worsened the country’s problems.
“The architect of our suffering cannot be the solution,” Njiru wrote, adding that Ruto “manufactured a crisis” only to seek applause for fixing it later.
At the State House session, Ruto vowed that United Democratic Alliance (UDA) nominations ahead of the 2027 general election will be free, fair and credible, stressing internal party democracy and equal opportunities for aspirants, including women.
He also outlined tax relief measures, including exempting workers earning KSh 30,000 and below from income tax, and cutting the rate to 25 per cent for those earning up to KSh 50,000 — steps he said would help manage the cost of living under the Bottom Up economic model.
Njiru’s critique reflects a broader public scepticism over whether such pledges translate into tangible improvements for ordinary Kenyans.
He warned that what he sees as short‑term economic boosts are temporary “props” ahead of elections, and urged citizens to remain cautious and critical of political messaging.
The lawyer’s comments tap into ongoing debates around Kenya’s economic challenges, including inflation, job creation, and real disposable incomes, which remain central to voter concerns ahead of 2027.
While Ruto’s administration frames tax changes and democratic nomination promises as delivery on manifesto commitments, critics argue the electorate must judge performance by concrete outcomes, not rhetoric.
The exchange underscores rising political polarization as Kenya gears up for its next general election, with economic management and accountability at the forefront of national discourse.