Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir has castigated the Kenya Kwanza government for blaming former President Uhuru Kenyatta for the current economic struggles in Kenya.
Speaking on February 13, Nassir challenged President William Ruto to up his game and stop blaming his shortcomings on the previous regime.
“It’s time for a new conversation about the future of our people, the time for blame games and excuses is over. It’s time to work,” said Nassir.
The County boss said Kenyans are tired of the blame games and excuses by the government.
Nassir Defends Uhuru
Besides, Nassir maintained that the government should also acknowledge some of the projects Uhuru delivered instead of the constant blame games.
“You can no longer use the excuse of your former for your failures, Kenyans are tired, and if your handlers are not telling that then get it from me.
You can’t keep blaming Uhuru for everything, why don’t you say Uhuru left things like highway,” he said.
The governor explained that blame games only work for politics but cannot contribute to improving the economy.
“There is not a nation that has been built on blame, politically, that works well for the first few days. But for you people (Kenya Kwanza) it is past a year, and it still blame games,” said the Governor.
Nassir explained that even the governors inherited debts from their predecessors, but they have not been complaining like the national government.
“We have 47 governments in this country but one nation, but we all inherited from others. Everyone who gets into government finds debts,” he said.
He also asked the President to provide solutions to the current economic crisis and stop complaining.
“A leader looks at a situation or obstacle and turns it into an opportunity. That is what defines you as a leader. A leader is not one who will in every opportunity look for blame game,” explained Nassir.
Raila’s Take
His sentiments were backed ODM party leader Raila Odinga who faulted the government for laying blames on Uhuru 18 months after taking over office.
Additionally, Raila criticized Ruto for leading the blame games, yet he was the deputy president during Uhuru’s regime.
Raila mentioned that they raised enough funds to rebuild the economy within three months during his handshake with Uhuru.
“During that time, we already had enough money within three months, but the Kenya kwanza government is still blaming Uhuru after being in power for 18months,” he said.
He emphasized that the previous regime also constituted of a functioning cabinet and Uhuru should not take the blame.
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Kenya Kwanza Blames
President Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza politicians have constantly blamed the former regime for the economic crisis facing the country.
The politicians have always maintained that they inherited a dilapidated economy that was almost facing a shutdown.
They have blamed Uhuru for the current high public debts, unemployment rates and the deplorable living conditions Kenyans are enduring.
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Uhuru’s Response
Speaking in November 2023, Uhuru asked the Kenya Kwanza politicians to stop blaming him for their misfortunes.
He told those in government to focus on uniting the country and avoid divisive politics.
“We have been told many things; we have been threatened. When an individual is unable to discharge their duty they blame the past government,” he said.
“Let’s avoid divisive politics on basis of ethnicity, religion and the rich and the poor. Everybody has the responsibility to build the country, to fight poverty and the country remains at peace,” he added.
The former President maintained that the desire for leadership should not exceed the problems of ordinary citizens.
