Isiolo residents react to Ruto’s latest austerity measures

Isiolo residents have shared mixed reactions to measures President William Ruto outlined on Friday to address issues raised by Kenyan youths during the nationwide anti-Finance Bill 2024 protests.

Most of the residents were satisfied with the Head of State's decision to form a task force to conduct a forensic audit of public debt.

Ruto mandated the task force to share the extent and nature of debt, how resources were used, and recommend proposals for sustainable debt management in three months. 

Youth activist Farah Hassan said he was happy that the president had listened to the cries of the youth, who, despite being the majority group in the country, continued to face marginalisation.

"We want firm commitment from him (the president) on the proposals and ask him to reshuffle his cabinet and weed out incompetent and corrupt officials," he said.

Ruto, on the same day, while speaking to the youth on an X Space, vowed to fire any Cabinet Secretary who would be arraigned in court over graft charges. He added that he hadn't sent any of them home, as there was no concrete evidence incriminating them in any scandal.

On Sunday, he said that he was soul-searching and would assess the performance of his CSs.

Another resident, Hashim Musa, hailed the suspension of the purchase of new motor vehicles by the government for 12 months as well as non-essential travel by state and public officers, saying it will go a long way in curbing waste that has been rife in the government.

"There is no point buying new cars worth millions while the old ones can be serviced and serve the same purpose. It is time we reduce unnecessary expenses and redirect the funds to initiatives that will impact the lives of common Mwananchi," Hashim said.

The order barring state officers from participating in public harambees and directing the Attorney General to draft a mechanism for structured and transparent contributions for public, charitable, and philanthropic purposes was also lauded, though with a pinch of salt.

An aerial view of Isiolo town. (Photo: Waweru Wairimu)

"The solution is not banning the leaders from participating in the fundraisers but ensuring they do not steal public coffers," Halima Mohammed argued.

She, however, appreciated the decision to withdraw budgets for the offices of the First Lady, the spouses of the Deputy President, and the Prime Cabinet Secretary.

On his part, youth leader Osman Shariff Awkay cited corruption as the biggest undoing of the nation, which he said must be ruthlessly dealt with for Kenyans to have value for the taxes they pay.

"We want to see corrupt leaders ruthlessly dealt with like terrorists because they impede the growth and development of our country and expose Kenyans to inexplicable suffering for directing resources to unintended use," Osman urged. 

Human rights activist Anab Kasim said the president sounded sympathetic for once, especially for condoling with families that lost their loved ones during the protests.

"It is a work in progress, but we want to see action and hope it is not the usual lies we are used to hearing from him and other government officials," she said.

Ruto, on the deaths recorded in the nationwide anti-Finance Bill protests, said that the last two weeks were a difficult time for the country, where Kenyans regrettably lost their lives, many were injured, property destroyed, and constitutional institutions attacked.

"Once again, I extend my deepest condolences to those who unfortunately lost their lives. One life lost is a life too many. To the mothers, fathers, siblings, relatives, and friends of those who died, my deepest sympathies and condolences. Equally, to the many others who are injured and recuperating, we wish them a quick recovery," he stated, adding that his administration will support all those affected.

He further appreciated the protesters for shaping dialogue, saying, "Despite all this, as a nation, we are finally having the right conversation, not about our tribes, personalities, or political formations, but rather issues that affect each and every one of us: issues such as taxation, debt, the budget, corruption, the cost of living, unemployment, and opportunities for our young people."