Ruto Sparks Reactions After Slip of the Tongue Reveals How Much He Has Increased Kenya’s Debt

President William Ruto has sparked reactions on social media following remarks about Kenya’s public debt that many Kenyans interpreted as a slip of the tongue during his recent public address.

In a statement that has been widely shared online, Ruto appeared to compare the growth of Kenya’s debt under his administration with that of former presidents Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta.

The President was quoted saying, “In five years, madeni ya Kenya nimeongeza 25 times, akili banaa!” The remarks quickly attracted attention, with Kenyans questioning whether he had misspoken while defending his government’s economic record.

The comment comes amid growing public debate over the country’s borrowing, the cost of living and the amount of money allocated to servicing government loans.

Kenya’s public debt has continued to attract scrutiny as the government balances development spending with repayments on domestic and foreign loans. The rising cost of debt servicing has also raised concerns about the resources available for essential services.

Ruto has previously defended his administration’s handling of the economy, arguing that his government inherited significant financial challenges and has made efforts to stabilise the country’s economic situation.

However, his latest remarks have provided fresh ammunition to critics who have questioned the government’s borrowing record and its impact on ordinary citizens.

On social media, the statement has generated discussion, with some users turning the President’s words into political jokes while others have called for greater accountability over public finances.

The controversy also comes as political leaders begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 General Election, with the economy expected to remain a major campaign issue.

As the debate continues, Kenyans are likely to demand clearer explanations about the country’s debt, how borrowed funds are spent and whether government policies are delivering meaningful improvements in their lives.

The incident highlights the importance of public communication, particularly when leaders address sensitive economic issues affecting millions of citizens.

Miles.ke feedback-opera-news-app@opera.com