Winnie Odinga decries rising fuel prices, economy strain

EALA MP Winnie Odinga/FB

East African Legislative Assembly MP Winnie Odinga has used a colourful analogy of a debt-ridden neighbour to paint a grim picture of Kenya’s economy as she criticised soaring fuel prices, the country’s growing debt burden, and the rising cost of living.

Speaking at the burial of Richard Onyonka's mother in Kisii County, Winnie said the country was grappling with deep economic challenges that were hurting ordinary Kenyans, particularly young people, small businesses, and farmers.

The EALA MP said she had recently seen fuel prices shoot up and was alarmed after learning that Kenya’s public debt had surpassed Sh10 trillion.

“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.

She then broke down the issue using a relatable example that triggered reactions and chants from the crowd.

“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.

Winnie continued with the analogy, saying that despite the heavy debts, the same neighbour still appeared flashy and polished on the outside.

“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 said sarcastically while gesturing toward her beard area, drawing amusement from the mourners.

She then posed a rhetorical question to the crowd on what they would think of such a person before linking the analogy to the country’s state of affairs.

“That’s what’s happening here. The economy is in bad shape,” she declared.

The leader said many young people were struggling to find jobs while micro and small businesses continued to collapse due to the harsh economic environment.

“The young people have no jobs. Micro businesses have been closed,” she said.

She further noted that farmers were also suffering because of the high cost of fertiliser, which she argued had made farming increasingly difficult for many households.

Her remarks come amid rising concerns over the high cost of living, taxation, fuel prices and Kenya’s growing debt burden that continue to dominate public debate across the country.

Winnie also urged leaders to shift focus from rhetoric to tangible action, adding that Kenyans were tired of speeches without meaningful solutions.

“You need to talk less and work more,” she said.

Her comments elicited applause and chants from sections of mourners, some of whom appeared to agree with her criticism of the current economic situation.