Face the Facts: Tough questions raised over leadership and rising economic pressure on Kenyans

Added: 2026-05-22

[00:00:00]Come back to Weekend Prime. Now, this week we have witnessed leaders in this country openly treating citizens with contempt as fuel prices continue to rise sharply across Kenya. Leaders who came to power with grand promises only to turn around and mislead the public while essential issues affecting ordinary Kenyans are pushed aside. Meanwhile, government officials including President William Ruto are accused of presiding over a system that appears increasingly detached from the struggles of the common citizen. In this week's Face the Facts, Herman Kamarike dissects these claims and puts the leadership of the country under sharp scrutiny. Take a look.

[00:01:10]Welcome to Face the Facts. Today, we talk about matters fuel prices. You sit back as we break down why this country continues to be led by individuals who critics argue are out of touch with the reality of ordinary Kenyans.

[00:01:26]It is bad enough when a nation is led by people who do not prioritize the welfare of its citizens.

[00:01:32]But it becomes worse when those entrusted with leadership begin to openly mock and mislead the very people who gave them power to a point of lying to the nation.

[00:01:45]This is a government that repeatedly claims its authority is divine. You know, they were ordained by God. Our heavenly Father, we want to thank you for this morning. But if you go by the scripture, the book of Proverbs 12:22 reminds us one thing and they should listen that the Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy. And everybody say, "Amen."

[00:02:10]Yet today, the country appears to be sliding deeper into a crisis. You know, Kenyans, how does a government official funded by taxpayers' money call a media briefing only to deliver statements that citizens widely view as misleading, to lie to Kenyans? We are going to bridge the gap. We did not agree in anything.

[00:02:33]With all due respect, we respect each one of us here.

[00:02:37]Let us be clear. Opio Wandayi, the energy CS, should be held accountable.

[00:02:44]In any system that values truth and responsibility, such conduct would demand either a resignation or immediate dismissal. While Kenyans are struggling to get to work due to transport disruptions linked to the fuel price hikes, instead of offering clarity and solutions, the energy leadership chose political deflection and half-truths in full view of the cameras.

[00:03:09]Davis Chirchir, the transport CS, you know, he sees the transport and related sectors. In this case, he decided to remain silent as the nation was being given conflicting narratives.

[00:03:23]On the same table, or rather in the same discussion, there was also John Mbadi.

[00:03:28]This is the Treasury CS, who appears increasingly consumed by political calculations rather than economic hardship facing the country. He chooses to decide to talk about ODM every now and then. Yesterday, niliona watu wengine. They are trying to advise me how to be a Minister for Finance. You can't. You have no capacity to advise me.

[00:03:51]I have BEEN CHAIRMAN OF ODM under Raila Odinga FOR 10 YEARS. IT'S NOT a mean achievement. You know, as the cost of living rises and the economy tightens, critics say the national priorities are being overshadowed by party politics.

[00:04:06]Then there is the interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen. Murkomen response to national crisis is often viewed through a political lens or tribal lens rather than a security and governance framework. Instead of offering calm, structured solutions, every issue risks being turned into political commentary.

[00:04:28]You should ask yourself why did they not stop their vehicles uh just less than 4 years ago? And why is it that in the administration of President William Ruto, they have stopped their vehicles from coming to the streets? There must be something. This is what happens when governance is replaced by political loyalty. I've now forwarded the name of John Mbadhi Ngongo. When President William Samoei Ruto assembled his cabinet, critics argue he prioritized political alliances over technical expertise. Interestingly, if you revisit earlier parliamentary debates, many of these same leaders spoke with passion about protecting citizens whenever fuel prices rose.

[00:05:10]You can listen to them. The problem starts stops and starts with the office of the president. What is the position of government? What's the position of the executive on the issue of fuel prices?

[00:05:21]>> We must reject these attempts to increase the price of petroleum product because that will increase even the price of electricity. Who advises this government?

[00:05:32]Who are the real advisers? Economical.

[00:05:34]In [clears throat] terms of economics, in terms of finance management, leave alone politics. But power has a way of changing tone. Once in office, the promises fade, accountability weakens, and the realities of governance are replaced by political survival.

[00:05:51]So long as they are okay, everything to them is okay.

[00:05:56]Another key figure in this discussion is the Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.

[00:06:06]The professor, he's accused of consistently aligning with the official government position without addressing the deeper frustrations of citizens.

[00:06:14]Whatever pleases the president, he's okay with it. Kenya is facing the effects of global fuel crisis caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

[00:06:38]But what they question is why local prices escalate so sharply and repeatedly. There is a generation of Kenyan politicians who as long as they remain active in politics, Kenya will never know true progress.

[00:06:55]While leaders enjoy state privileges, convoys and comfort even in planes and aircraft, the ordinary Kenyan continue to shoulder the burden of economic hardship alone.

[00:07:18]Even the opposition has failed to provide structured alternatives.

[00:07:23]Instead of offering solutions, they have often resorted to political insults.

[00:07:28]That jet that he left with is the epitome of luxury with a full bedroom and a massage parlor and a spa with a jacuzzi, steam, sauna, and the massage parlor has four girls from Seychelles.

[00:07:41]He is enjoying. For the matatu operators and transport workers, the question remains simple.

[00:07:48]Are they serving the people or their own pockets? As for the current administration, the phrase once used by the president himself should be used at this point.

[00:08:03]You know, this continues to echo in public debate, raising even more questions about the relationship between leaders and the citizens they serve.

[00:08:11]That is first the facts. My name is Hamman Kamareki. Greetings to the people of Kwatsingo in Mazeras Rabai Constituency, Kilifi County.

[00:08:23]>> [music]