NAIROBI, Kenya — Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua has issued a sharp warning to President William Ruto ahead of Thursday’s State of the Nation Address, urging him to confront the country’s economic and governance crises with honesty and caution.
In a strongly worded statement on Wednesday, November 19, the Senator said the address comes at a time when Kenyans are grappling with “corruption, heavy taxation, unfulfilled promises and shattered dreams,” warning that the President must speak to a nation on the verge of despair.
Wambua, who also serves as Deputy Minority Leader in the Senate, said the government’s economic policies have eroded household incomes, crippled businesses, and pushed families to the brink.
“Kenyans are already overtaxed,” he said. “Any new measure to squeeze a penny out of Kenyans would be too much to bear for salaried Kenyans, businesses, and indeed all who contribute to national revenue through basic goods and services.”
He expressed particular concern that the State of the Nation Address may be used to push the proposed Infrastructure Development Fund, which he warned would further burden households.
“I hope the President will not use Parliament to popularise another levy. Kenyans cannot bear another Fund, another Levy, or another Loan,” he said.
Wambua also criticised the government’s move to sell strategic national assets — including the Kenya Pipeline Company — calling it irresponsible and short-sighted.
“This regime behaves as though Kenya begins and ends with the Ruto administration,” he said. “If we sell Kenya Pipeline to finance the 2025/2026 budget, what shall we sell to finance the next one? What will our children sell to finance theirs? This is not just appetite; it is greed, and it must be tamed.”
The Senator faulted what he described as the “collapse” of the education sector, from basic to tertiary levels. He urged Ruto to outline concrete steps to rescue the system, saying too many institutions, teachers, and learners have been left in limbo.
Wambua urged the President to avoid political confrontations and to refrain from insulting leaders who disagree with him, arguing that such conduct undermines the dignity of the presidency.
“He must act presidential and be the symbol of national stability,” he said. “Insulting opponents in public depicts him as intolerant and desperate.”
Both Houses of Parliament will convene for a joint sitting on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at 2:30 pm, where President Ruto is constitutionally required to deliver the annual State of the Nation Address under Article 132(1)(b) of the Constitution.
As the nation waits for the address, Senator Wambua has made it clear that Kenyans expect reassurance, concrete solutions, and respect — not politics, promises, or new financial burdens.
