“Kenya Is Drowning in Debt!” — Winnie Odinga Sparks Crowd Frenzy With Explosive Fuel Price Attack
Winnie Odinga has launched a blistering attack on Kenya’s economic situation, warning that soaring fuel prices, ballooning national debt and the rising cost of living are pushing ordinary citizens to the brink.
Speaking during the burial ceremony of the mother of Richard Onyonka in Kisii County, the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP painted a grim picture of a country allegedly trapped in debt and struggling to stay afloat economically.
In a speech laced with sarcasm, humour and sharp criticism, Winnie compared Kenya to a flashy but financially ruined neighbour drowning in loans from every corner.
“I saw the fuel prices had skyrocketed. The other day, I heard Kenya’s debt is past Sh10 trillion. I know that number is very huge; some don’t even understand,” she told mourners.
The crowd burst into chants and laughter as she launched into a dramatic analogy that resonated with many in attendance.
“You know what it means? It’s like you have a neighbour and the neighbour owes you a debt. The neighbour then goes to another neighbour and asks for debt. He goes to M-Shwari, takes a debt. Supermarket, debt. Then cuts off communication. The neighbour can’t even go home because the shylock is looking for him,” she said.
But Winnie said the “debtor neighbour” still maintained appearances despite being buried in financial trouble.
“But when you look at the neighbour, you find he has worn a new suit, clean, shoes are good, has gone to a barber,” she remarked sarcastically, gesturing toward her beard area as mourners erupted in amusement.
She then delivered the punchline that electrified sections of the crowd.
“That’s what’s happening here. The economy is in bad shape,” she declared.
Her remarks come at a time when Kenyans are increasingly voicing frustration over high fuel prices, rising taxes and the soaring cost of basic commodities, with many households struggling to make ends meet.
Winnie argued that the economic pressure was hitting young people, traders and farmers the hardest, saying thousands of small businesses were collapsing under the weight of the harsh business environment.
“The young people have no jobs. Micro businesses have been closed,” she said.
She further lamented the rising cost of fertiliser, warning that farmers were now finding it increasingly difficult to sustain production amid mounting input costs.
The ODM-linked leader also appeared to take aim at the political class, accusing leaders of spending too much time talking instead of solving real problems affecting citizens.
“You need to talk less and work more,” she said to loud applause from sections of mourners.
Her fiery speech is likely to intensify the already heated national debate surrounding Kenya’s economic direction, public borrowing and the government’s handling of the cost-of-living crisis.
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