Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi has called out President William Ruto over his proposal to establish a Ksh1.5 trillion Infrastructure Fund.
In a statement on Tuesday, October 28, Muturi questioned the logic behind creating another major fund at a time when Kenyans are struggling under heavy taxation and the cost of living continues to rise.
He accused the government of exploiting citizens through excessive levies while failing to curb corruption and wastage in public spending.
“President William Ruto’s latest proposal for an Infrastructure Fund, said to raise over Ksh1.5 trillion for roads illustrates the tragic irony of our times: a government that loots with one hand and begs with the other.
“Kenyans are already overtaxed, overburdened, and squeezed to the bone. What this country needs is not another fund, levy, or loan. What Kenya needs is discipline, integrity, and competence in public management,” he said.
Muturi argued that Kenya’s economic problem does not stem from a lack of resources but from a lack of honesty and accountability among those in leadership.
He said the government should focus on restoring public trust instead of introducing new levies.
“Let us be clear, Kenya does not suffer from a shortage of money. It suffers from a shortage of honesty in leadership. If the President truly wants to build roads, he should start by building trust,” he added.
As such, Muturi outlined five key measures that he believes would help Kenya achieve infrastructure development without imposing new financial burdens on citizens.
“All the government needs to do is Stop corruption: Billions are lost monthly in inflated contracts, ghost projects, and kickbacks. Seal these leaks, and Kenya will have enough to pave every major road without a single new tax; End government waste: Lavish foreign trips, unnecessary offices, luxury cars, and unending delegations are draining the Treasury. Lead by example, start with austerity at the top,” he stated.
He continued, “Empower competence: Kenya is blessed with capable professionals who can manage projects transparently and deliver value for money. Let them lead, not political cronies and cartels; Prioritize wisely: Roads are important, but not at the expense of starving citizens or neglecting hospitals, schools, and farmers. True development is balanced, not extractive; and Respect accountability. Every shilling spent must be traceable. Independent oversight institutions must be strengthened, not undermined.”
Muturi urged Ruto to embrace integrity and responsibility as the foundation for sustainable national development.
“President Ruto must understand that you can not fund development by impoverishing the people. You fund development by governing with integrity. Kenyans have no more to give. What they want now is not a new fund but a new culture of responsibility. That is how we rebuild this nation. That is how we reclaim hope,” he concluded.
