In a fiery panel interview on Citizen TV, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka and Presidential Economic Advisor Moses Kuria engaged in a no-holds-barred debate over Kenya’s economic woes, failed policies, and allegations of rampant corruption.
The two-hour-long discussion, which oscillated between heated exchanges and moments of dark humor, laid bare the deep-seated frustrations of Kenyans and the glaring contradictions within the country’s leadership.
The interview, aptly titled “The State of the Nation: Who’s to Blame?”, provided a platform for the two political heavyweights to dissect the government’s performance, with Onyonka playing the role of the vocal critic and Kuria defending the administration’s record. What ensued was a spectacle that left viewers questioning whether Kenya’s leaders are economic wizards or merely performers in a political circus.
From the outset, Senator Onyonka did not mince words, accusing the government of presiding over a series of failed policies that have left ordinary Kenyans struggling to make ends meet.
“Let’s call a spade a spade,” Onyonka declared. “The policies being implemented by this government are not working. The cost of living is skyrocketing, unemployment is at an all-time high, and our debt is spiraling out of control. Who is responsible for this mess?”
Onyonka pointed to the controversial Finance Act 2023, which introduced new taxes that have been widely criticized as punitive.
“You cannot tax people who are already struggling to put food on the table and expect the economy to grow. It’s not rocket science; it’s common sense,” he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
Moses Kuria, however, was quick to defend the government’s economic policies, arguing that they are necessary for long-term growth.
“You cannot make an omelette without breaking eggs,” Kuria retorted. “Yes, the measures are painful, but they are necessary to stabilize the economy. We are laying the foundation for a brighter future.”
Onyonka was unimpressed. “A brighter future? What future are you talking about? The future where Kenyans are buried under a mountain of debt? The future where our children will be paying for the mistakes of today?” he shot back, drawing applause from the studio audience.
The discussion took a dramatic turn when the topic of corruption was raised. Onyonka, known for his outspoken nature, accused the government of turning a blind eye to graft, citing recent scandals that have rocked various ministries.
“Corruption is the cancer that is killing this country,” he said. “Billions of shillings are being stolen every year, and yet no one is held accountable. Where is the political will to fight this vice?”
Kuria, while acknowledging the existence of corruption, sought to downplay its impact on the economy. “Corruption is a global problem, not just a Kenyan problem,” he said. “What matters is how you deal with it. This government has put in place measures to curb corruption, and we are making progress.”
Onyonka, however, was having none of it. “Progress? What progress? When you have scandals like the COVID-19 funds, the fertilizer scam, and the NHIF heist happening under your watch, that’s not progress. That’s a joke,” he said, eliciting laughter and murmurs of agreement from the audience.
Kuria, visibly irritated, fired back, “You cannot sit here and pretend that your hands are clean. Corruption is a problem that affects all of us. Even you, Senator, have questions to answer.”
The exchange grew increasingly personal, with Onyonka accusing Kuria of being an apologist for the government.
“You are here defending the indefensible,” Onyonka said. “Instead of admitting that there is a problem, you are busy pointing fingers. That’s not leadership; that’s cowardice.”
The debate then shifted to the issue of poor decision-making, with Onyonka blaming the government’s top leadership for the country’s economic challenges.
“The problem starts at the top,” he said. “When you have leaders who are more interested in political survival than serving the people, this is what you get. Poor decisions, failed policies, and a suffering population.”
Kuria, however, defended the government’s decision-making process, arguing that tough choices have to be made in the face of global economic challenges.
“We are operating in a very difficult environment,” he said. “The global economy is in turmoil, and Kenya is not immune to these challenges. We are doing the best we can under the circumstances.”
Onyonka dismissed Kuria’s explanation as an excuse for incompetence.
“The best you can? Is that what you call it? When you have a government that cannot even provide basic services like healthcare and education, that’s not the best you can. That’s a failure of leadership,” he said.
The Role of the Opposition
Kuria, perhaps sensing an opportunity to shift the narrative, turned the tables on Onyonka, questioning the role of the opposition in addressing the country’s challenges.
“Instead of just criticizing, what is the opposition doing to help?” he asked. “You cannot just sit on the sidelines and throw stones. Leadership is about offering solutions, not just complaints.”
Onyonka, however, was quick to defend the opposition’s role, arguing that their job is to hold the government accountable.
“Our role is to speak truth to power,” he said. “When we see the government going in the wrong direction, it is our duty to point it out. That’s not complaining; that’s democracy.”
A Nation at a crossroads
As the interview drew to a close, it was clear that both Onyonka and Kuria had struck a chord with the audience. The debate highlighted the deep divisions within Kenya’s political landscape and the urgent need for solutions to the country’s pressing challenges.
For many Kenyans watching at home, the interview was a stark reminder of the disconnect between the country’s leaders and the realities on the ground.
“It’s all talk and no action,” said John Maina, a taxi driver in Nairobi. “These leaders are busy arguing while we are suffering. When will they put aside their differences and work for the people?”
Political analyst Mukhisa Kituyi summed it up best:
“What we saw today was a microcosm of Kenya’s political landscape. On one hand, you have a government that is struggling to deliver on its promises. On the other, you have an opposition that is quick to criticize but slow to offer alternatives. Until both sides come together and put the interests of the people first, Kenya will remain stuck in this cycle of blame and counter-blame.”
The Onyonka-Kuria showdown may have been entertaining, but it also served as a sobering reminder of the challenges facing Kenya. From failed policies and corruption to poor decision-making, the issues raised during the interview are not new. What is needed now is not more rhetoric, but action.
As Senator Onyonka aptly put it, “Kenyans are tired of excuses. They want results. If this government cannot deliver, then it’s time for them to step aside and let someone else take the wheel.”
