Government spokesperson Charles Owino speaking during a press briefing on the state of the nation at Harambee Annex, Nairobi on August 26, 2026/LEAH MUKANGAIGovernment Spokesperson Charles Owino has challenged the opposition to offer Kenyans a clear alternative agenda rather than focusing primarily on calls for President William Ruto to leave office.
Speaking on Wednesday, Owino said opposition parties and leaders have an important role to play in holding the government to account, but should also explain what they would do differently if given an opportunity to lead the country.
He said the opposition should be viewed as a government in waiting and therefore has a responsibility to present its plans to the electorate.
He further challenged opposition leaders to tell Kenyans what they would offer beyond their criticism of the current administration.
Owino was referring to opposition criticism centred on Ruto's presidency and calls for him to serve only one term.
He acknowledged that the President would eventually leave office in accordance with the constitutional limits on presidential tenure, but questioned what opposition leaders intended to offer Kenyans once that transition takes place.
“The President must go. We know the President must go at one time. Whether one term or two terms, he must go because that is what our constitution has provided,” Owino said.
“But what are you leaving for these young people who are coming up? What are you going to do better?” the spokesperson asked.
Owino also called on the media to subject both the government and opposition to tough questions, insisting that Kenyans should be given an opportunity to assess competing ideas and proposals.
“So the media I’m asking you, ask hard questions so that you can. And even me, ask me hard questions,” he said.
His remarks came as he defended the record of the Ruto administration and urged Kenyans to assess the government against the commitments made in its campaign manifesto.
Owino called on Kenyans to read the President's manifesto and examine the promises made back in 2022 on areas including agriculture, affordable housing, universal healthcare, micro, small and medium enterprises and the digital superhighway.
He cited lower fertiliser prices and increased coffee prices as some of the areas he said should be considered when assessing the administration's performance.
Owino said fertiliser prices had fallen from about Sh7,000 to Sh2,500, with the government targeting a further reduction to Sh2,000.
He also acknowledged that the government inherited significant debt, adding that these factors should form part of the wider assessment of the administration's record.
He also highlighted government spending on education, saying Sh307.5 billion had been released in school capitation, including funds released during the current financial year.
The spokesperson said the government had also increased the overall allocation to the Ministry of Education and recruited more than 100,000 teachers, with further recruitment of 20,000 expected.
He further urged Kenyans to participate in the ongoing conversation on the country's development beyond Vision 2030 by offering proposals and alternatives on areas where they believe government performance can be improved.
