Okoa Uchumi Rejects Ruto’s Apology

Okoa Uchumi Rejects Ruto’s Apology

Kenya needs accountability, not vague regret, says campaign

The Okoa Uchumi Campaign has firmly rejected President William Ruto’s recent conditional apology, calling it vague, dismissive, and wholly inadequate in the face of deepening national crises.

Speaking at the National Prayer Breakfast, President Ruto stated: “To our children, if there is any misstep, we apologize.” According to the campaign, this phrasing avoids responsibility and ignores the real pain suffered by Kenyans.

“There is no ‘if’ when the evidence is written in the wounds of a nation,” read the statement. “It is unacceptable to pretend to offer redress conditionally.”

Okoa Uchumi highlighted the killing of more than 60 young protesters, the abduction or disappearance of nearly 90 people, and the harassment of journalists and activists. It also condemned the government’s silence on abuses suffered by Kenyans in neighbouring countries, particularly Tanzania.

“It’s pretentious to believe the same mouth that denied accountability can now deliver justice to grieving Kenyans,” the group said.

The campaign reminded the public that the Constitution is not aspirational but binding. Article 1 vests sovereignty in the people. Article 10 requires governance rooted in accountability, dignity, and transparency. Chapter Six demands integrity in public leadership.

Okoa Uchumi Rejects Ruto’s Apology

Budget of Betrayal and Clear Demands for Justice

Turning its attention to the 2025/26 national budget, Okoa Uchumi described it as a betrayal of the Kenyan people. The proposed budget slashes social spending—cutting funds for education, health, child services, and reproductive care—while dramatically increasing allocations for presidential luxuries, surveillance, and security.

“This is not a revenue problem. It is a spending problem,” the campaign said. “The budget insults our youth, our elderly, and our vulnerable.”

Kenya’s current debt service exceeds Ksh. 1.9 trillion, while unpaid supplier bills top Ksh. 70 billion. The campaign warned that the country is already in a state of functional debt default.

“When local suppliers go unpaid and hospitals go underfunded, this is what insolvency looks like,” the group stated.

Okoa Uchumi laid out six urgent demands:

1. Protect Kenyans Abroad: The government must engage EAC partners to safeguard Kenyans in neighbouring countries.

2. Independent Inquiry: Launch a national investigation into extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.

3. Audit the Debt: Conduct a public, transparent audit of Kenya’s debt and cancel odious loans.

4. Prosecute Corruption: Investigate large-scale corruption in infrastructure, housing, land, and health.

5. Restore Social Budgets: Fully fund health, education, social protection, and contraceptives.

6. Implement Integrity Laws: Enforce Chapter Six and Article 10 through public vetting and lifestyle audits.

“We are tired of apologies served at prayer breakfasts. We are ashamed of expensive ceremonies that produce no justice. And we are fed up with leaders fluent in the language of faith but deaf to the cries of the people.”

The campaign concluded by reaffirming its mission: not to divide the country, but to demand a Kenya where leadership is accountable, budgets serve the people, and justice is more than a slogan.