The Political Gamble: Why Kenya Kwanza Is Ignoring the Rising Cost of Living

 Why Is Ruto Avoiding the Cost of Living Crisis?

Why does the Kenya Kwanza government treat the rising cost of living as a taboo subject? This question remains a mystery, especially since the cost of living has historically toppled governments and ended political careers.

Consider the case of George H.W. Bush, a U.S. president whose popularity soared after the Gulf War but who lost re-election primarily due to a tax increase that strained voters. The link between rising taxes and political fallout is clear, yet President William Ruto seems to be ignoring the lesson.

The Kenya Kwanza administration’s aggressive taxation policies, including the controversial Finance Act 2023, have left many Kenyans frustrated. Even Ruto’s staunch supporters are now expressing regret, openly admitting they may have made a mistake in backing his presidency. This rising discontent, paired with Kenya's worsening economic indicators, paints a grim picture for the government.

Economic Woes Pile Up

The economic challenges Kenyans face today are staggering:

The Kenya Shilling has depreciated from 119 to over 153 per USD since the transition from Uhuru Kenyatta to Ruto.

Fuel prices continue to rise, with additional levies burdening motorists and public transport operators.

The promise of relief in six months remains unfulfilled, as living standards deteriorate and hope dwindles.

Despite these challenges, the Kenya Kwanza government appears resistant to prioritizing cost-of-living issues. This has led opposition leader Raila Odinga and the Azimio coalition to take a firm stance: no bipartisan agreements unless cost-of-living concerns are addressed convincingly.

Political Miscalculations

Ruto's strategy—or lack thereof—raises questions. Does the administration believe it can weather the storm and rely on election tactics similar to those of 2022 to secure another term? This assumption seems unrealistic. The patience of the Kenyan electorate is wearing thin, and history shows that prolonged economic distress can lead to political upheaval.

Even hypothetical scenarios, such as Odinga defecting to UDA, would not repair the damaged relationship between the government and its citizens. The reality is simple: people can endure only so much before demanding change.

The Future Looks Uncertain

The government’s reluctance to address economic hardships might be its undoing. Analysts predict that as prices continue to skyrocket, the political landscape will destabilize further. The Kenya Kwanza government must recognize that relying on force or manipulation to retain power is unsustainable.