ODM leader Oburu Odinga/ FILEODM leader and Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga has defended President William Ruto against criticism over rising public debt, arguing that government borrowing is financing programmes that directly benefit ordinary Kenyans rather than enriching individuals.
Speaking on Tuesday at State House, Nairobi, where President Ruto hosted village elders from across the country, Oburu said the impact of government-funded development projects was already visible across the country.
He said critics should judge the administration based on how borrowed funds are being utilised rather than the size of the debt itself.
"Some people are saying that he is overburdening the country with debt, but those debts he is not eating. He is paying the people," Oburu said.
"If it is something which translates into benefits for our people, we must appreciate it."
Oburu pointed to roads, schools, affordable housing, agriculture and the recently introduced monthly stipends for village elders as examples of programmes he said were benefiting citizens.
He also urged the opposition to shift its focus from criticising the government to presenting alternative policies and programmes to Kenyans.
"We want to say that the President is trying his best and the opposition should also try. They should also try to bring their own programmes, what they want to do to the people," he said.
Questioning whether previous administrations would have introduced the village elders' stipend, Oburu said the current government had taken a step others had failed to make.
"Would they have paid the village elders if they were in power? I am telling you no, they would not. Because we have been with governments and we know their capacity," he said.
The remarks come as the government continues to defend its borrowing programme, arguing that loans are financing infrastructure, affordable housing, healthcare, education and other development projects intended to stimulate economic growth.
Oburu's latest defence of the administration came shortly after he publicly declared that ODM would back President Ruto's re-election in the 2027 General Election instead of fielding its own presidential candidate.
Addressing the same gathering, the veteran politician said ODM had resolved not to front a presidential candidate and would instead support Ruto while competing for all other elective positions.
"At this time, we in ODM will not have a presidential candidate. Our candidate in 2027 is President William Ruto," he said.
He added that all other positions remained open for negotiation within the party's political arrangements, joking that the office of Deputy President should also be up for discussion.
Oburu said ODM would continue supporting the broad-based government, maintaining that the arrangement reflects the political direction championed by the late Raila Odinga and is intended to strengthen governance rather than dilute the party's identity.
He also defended the government's long-term development agenda, saying national programmes should be assessed based on their impact rather than political affiliation.
According to Oburu, every administration has contributed to implementing Kenya's long-term development vision, and leaders should be evaluated on the progress they make rather than political rhetoric.
