Kungu Muigai, chairman of the National Council of Elders and cousin to former President Uhuru Kenyatta, has called for increased accountability from President William Ruto’s administration as unrest grows across Kenya. In a statement, Muigai urged the government to release a 15-year-old audit report detailing the national debt situation to foster transparency.
“When the Kenya Kwanza government took office, they claimed the coffers were empty. We want to know just how empty they were and what actions have been taken since,” Muigai stated. The elders are seeking a detailed account of how debts were acquired, how funds were utilized, and the current national debt balance.
Muigai also stressed the need for a comprehensive lifestyle audit of all elected and appointed officials. He highlighted public concern over the apparent misuse of taxpayer money, with officials acquiring luxurious properties and choppers despite being in office for less than two years. “Kenyans are not against paying taxes; they just want assurance that their taxes are being used properly. They expect their contributions to ensure services like healthcare, not to line the pockets of a few,” he added.
The call for transparency comes amid ongoing Generation-Z anti-tax protests, which have garnered support from the National Council of Elders. The protests aim to address grievances over taxation and public spending, reflecting the public’s demand for responsible governance and accountability.
Conversely, the Nairobi Business Community has strongly condemned the protests, citing their adverse effects on businesses. Led by Wilfred Kamau, the group claims that peaceful demonstrations have been hijacked by criminal elements, leading to violence, looting, and property destruction. “It is tragic that peaceful protests have turned violent. Properties worth millions have been looted and some destroyed by fire. This is unacceptable,” Kamau stated. He criticized the police for failing to protect property and called for decisive government action against the perpetrators of the chaos.
