Minority Leader Junet Mohamed has launched a scathing response to Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro over his recent remarks on government borrowing and fiscal management, accusing the legislator of hypocrisy and political grandstanding.

In a firm rebuttal, Junet questioned Nyoro’s credibility, citing his past role as chair of the National Assembly’s Budget and Appropriations Committee. He dismissed Nyoro’s current criticism of securitisation and public debt as inconsistent with his previous silence on similar issues.

“I have seen my friend has suddenly become clever, acting like he knows a lot, and he just assumed Parliament the other day,” Junet remarked, alluding to Nyoro’s brief absence from the House. The Suna East MP defended the government’s development-driven borrowing strategy, insisting that infrastructure projects such as roads, water systems, and schools necessitate financial sourcing through loans.

“Those who’ve benefited from billions of loans taken on behalf of the entire country should not be suddenly clever,” read a post on Junet’s X dated July 27, 2025.

“We passed the securitisation bill in Parliament; it is in the Roads Act,” he said, underscoring the legality of the funding model that has come under fire. Junet urged Nyoro to redirect his “excessive intelligence” toward more constructive engagements, emphasising the need for a broad-based administration that serves all Kenyans.

Nyoro on fuel levy loan

Nyoro recently took a public stance against a Ksh175 billion loan reportedly secured using the fuel levy. He claims the debt was contracted without parliamentary approval, in violation of the Public Finance Management Act.

The Kiharu legislator warned that the loan, maturing in seven years, could accrue up to Sh100 billion in interest, further burdening taxpayers. He called on the Treasury to formally legalise the borrowing and include it in national accounts.

“The issue is not global oil prices. It’s the excessive taxation and borrowing done in secrecy that is hurting Kenyans,” Nyoro said, pointing to the rising cost of living. He accused Finance Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi of dodging accountability and criticised the opaque introduction of a Ksh7 fuel levy in 2024, despite falling international oil prices.

Nyoro argued that taxes now account for over Ksh 80 per litre of petrol and Ksh 76 on other fuels, placing the financial burden squarely on ordinary citizens.

Fiscal clash

The exchange between Junet and Nyoro highlights deepening political divisions over economic policy and transparency.

While Junet backs government borrowing as necessary for growth, Nyoro’s call for fiscal discipline and legal compliance speaks to broader public frustrations over the rising cost of living and opaque financial practices.

As the debate continues, it reflects a larger struggle within Kenya’s leadership over how to balance development goals with economic accountability.