Former Presidential Candidate Jimmy Wanjigi now says President Ruto will still face a unique economic dilemma after withdrawing the controversial Finance Bill 2024.
According to Wanjigi, the head of state has a difficult task in fighting inflation and the high cost of living.
"He is responsible for this bad economy and Kenyans are not going to take it. It doesn't matter whether he cuts his expenses."
Wanjigi refuted claims of a genuine desire for economic reform, stating that the staged demos by enraged Kenyans were an expression of 'angered' protestors over what he termed punitive taxes imposed on various commodities leading to a high cost of living.
"It is not a governance issue; the prescription forward is more and more economic pain. The pain is, however, going to continue, it is not going to decrease."
On his part, President William Ruto declined to assent to the finance bill to save the state house against attack from enraged protestors who were furious about the proposed Finance Bill 2024.
In an interview on Monday on Spice FM, Wanjigi said the demonstrations staged across various parts of the country were a clear indication of the public's displeasure and discontent with the state of the nation.
"He only did that to save the state house, it was nothing else," Wanjigi said.
His sentiments came amid intense pressure on the government to implement austerity measures that will benefit the citizens.
Tension escalated after youths stormed the Senate, National Assembly, and Judiciary, setting ablaze sections of critical government infrastructure.
The Safina Presidential Candidate called on President Ruto to resign and pave the way for a new generation to take charge. He urged President Ruto to reduce taxation to gain the public's trust.
In a press conference, President Ruto expressed his genuine desire for good governance, announcing a raft of austerity measures to cut down government expenditure.
Ruto said following wide consultations, they have settled on cutting various costs, including dissolving at least 47 state corporations with overlapping functions.
"Resulting in the elimination of their operational and maintenance costs, and their functions will be integrated into the respective line ministries. Staff currently employed by the affected corporations will be transferred to ministries and other state agencies," he said.
He also suspended the hiring of Chief Administrative Secretaries (CAS) and directed the reduction of advisers in government by at least 50 per cent with immediate effect.
The head of state also announced the removal of budgets in the Offices of the First Lady, the Second Lady, and the Spouse of the Prime Cabinet Secretary.