Siaya Senator and ODM leader Oburu Oginga has come out strongly in defence of President William Ruto’s borrowing strategy, arguing that the government’s loans are fueling development projects that directly benefit ordinary Kenyans.
Speaking at State House Nairobi during a meeting with village elders, Oburu emphasized that the borrowed funds are not for personal enrichment but for tangible public goods such as roads, schools, affordable housing, agriculture, and monthly stipends for village elders.
He challenged critics to assess the government’s debt by the positive outcomes it delivers rather than the volume of borrowing. “Some say he is overburdening the country with debt, but those debts he is not eating. He is paying the people,” Oburu stated.
Oburu also urged the opposition to move beyond criticism and present alternative policies and programs. He questioned whether previous governments would have introduced the village elders’ stipend, asserting that such initiatives demonstrate the current administration’s commitment to inclusive development.
In addition, Oburu announced that ODM will not field a presidential candidate in the 2027 general elections but will back President Ruto’s re-election bid while competing for other elective positions. He described this alignment as a continuation of the political vision championed by the late Raila Odinga, aimed at strengthening governance without compromising the party’s identity.
He concluded by highlighting the importance of evaluating national development efforts based on their impact rather than partisan politics, noting that all administrations have contributed to Kenya’s long-term development goals.
