Former Defence Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa and Kimilili Member of Parliament Didmus Barasa found themselves in a heated exchange at a funeral in Tongaren Constituency, Bungoma County, debating the pressing issue of the high cost of living.
Wamalwa criticized the Kenya Kwanza government, asserting that it had failed to fulfill its promise to ease the financial burden on citizens and was instead deflecting blame for the country’s challenges.
“The cost of living is high, and Kenyans are hurting, yet our friends are saying that this is a global problem and there is nothing they can do about it. Nothing can be further from the truth,” remarked Wamalwa during the confrontation.
“We have told our collegues at the Bomas talks that there will be no deal unless they address the cost of living,” he said.
Tensions heightened when Barasa forcefully took the microphone from Wamalwa, arguing that the former CS lacked the moral authority to censure the President.
According to Barasa, President William Ruto is willing to engage with politicians on strategies to lower the cost of living, except for Wamalwa, who is known for his strained relationship with the Head of State.
“Eugene Wamalwa, you have no gravitas to lecture the government about the cost of living. You were the CS of Defence but did nothing,” retorted Barasa, emphasizing Wamalwa’s perceived lack of impact during his tenure.
Despite the criticism, Barasa, a Kenya Kwanza leader, paradoxically added his voice to those urging the President to review fuel prices downwards, highlighting the complexity and nuances of political dynamics amid shared concerns about the economic well-being of Kenyan citizens.
