President William Ruto has suffered another major blow following reports that a fresh petition has been filed in court to block his government from acquiring or repaying more loans. According to Saturday’s edition of The Standard newspaper, Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, together with eight other petitioners, has moved to court seeking an order to prevent the government from taking any more loans or even repaying those that were not approved by Parliament.
The petitioners argue that the government is breaching the Constitution and the Appropriation Act 2024 by securing loans that have not gone through the proper legal channels.Omtatah and the group insist that the government is bypassing the National Assembly, which is the only body allowed to approve national spending, including loans.
They claim that President Ruto’s administration has already taken up a Sh140 billion loan from China without the approval of Parliament. This, according to the petitioners, is not only illegal but also puts the country at a bigger financial risk considering the already heavy debt burden Kenya is facing.
The Constitution requires that all public funds, including loans, must be approved through the national budget process. This ensures that taxpayers’ money is spent responsibly and transparently. However, the petitioners believe that the Ruto administration is ignoring this law by taking up loans without disclosing the details to the public or seeking permission from Parliament.
This has raised serious concerns about accountability and whether Kenyans will get value for the money borrowed.The move by Omtatah and his team is likely to spark a fresh legal and political battle, especially at a time when Ruto’s government is under increasing pressure over rising taxes and a high cost of living.
Many Kenyans have been complaining that they are overburdened while the government continues to borrow and spend money without showing clear results. Critics argue that Ruto’s promises of managing the economy better and reducing debt are not being fulfilled, and instead, the situation is getting worse.
This petition comes at a critical time when the country is struggling to meet its financial obligations and facing criticism from both the public and civil society. The fact that Sh140 billion was acquired from China without going through Parliament has only fueled anger and mistrust among citizens.
If the court rules in favor of the petitioners, it could halt Ruto’s borrowing plans and force the government to be more transparent and accountable.
Clearly, this new case is a serious setback for President Ruto and his administration. It not only challenges his financial policies but also puts his leadership under greater scrutiny as Kenyans question the direction the country is taking under his watch.
