Recently ousted Kenya International Conference Centre (KICC) board chairperson Irungu Nyakera has issued a passionate call for accountability from the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) government, urging Kenyans to focus on the promises made in 2022 rather than political posturing ahead of the 2027 elections.

In a statement posted on his X account on April 5, 2025, Nyakera painted a grim picture of Kenya’s current economic situation, citing spiralling inflation, credit stagnation in banks, and a spike in loan defaults.

“Kenya is bleeding. Inflation is at a six-month high. Banks aren’t lending. Loan defaults are at 15 per cent. Almost 1 trillion in pending bills. Small businesses are shutting down. Youth are jobless,” Nyakera wrote.

He criticized what he sees as a widening disconnect between government leaders and struggling citizens, accusing those in power of indulging in expensive motorcades and PR campaigns while ordinary families struggle to make ends meet.

“Families can’t make ends meet, and yet, our leaders are moving around in choppers and big convoys, selling hope through PR and handouts,” he stated.

In light of these challenges, Nyakera challenged Kenyans—particularly the youth and small business owners—to demand action, not promises.

“It’s time for the hustlers, the dreamers, the youth, and all Kenyans to demand that the UDA government deliver on the promises made to Kenyans in 2022. It’s not about 2027; it’s about 2022,” Nyakera stressed.

Message of resilience

Despite the dire assessment, Nyakera expressed optimism in the country’s capacity to weather adversity.

Comparing Kenya to a big ship he stressed that although the country faces economic turbulence, it remains afloat.

“Kenya is not a canoe. It’s a big, mighty ship. Water may be leaking in, but big ships don’t sink overnight,” he noted.

Reflecting on past national crises—including the Moi-era economic collapse, the 2007 post-election violence, terrorism threats, grand corruption, and the COVID-19 pandemic—Nyakera reminded Kenyans of their resilience.

“We’ve been through worse before: the Moi-era economic ruin, the 2007 PEV, Al-Shabaab terror attacks, grand heists, and COVID-19. We took hit after hit, but we stood tall. But standing is not enough. It’s time to rise,” he stated.

Fallout with Ruto

Nyakera’s remarks follow his removal from the KICC board by President William Ruto on April 1, 2025, just days after he publicly stated he would not attend the president’s tour of the Mt Kenya region.

Nyakera, who had indicated that he would skip the visit because he is currently studying at Oxford University, will be replaced by Samuel Waweru.

In his message to Mt Kenya residents ahead of Ruto’s development tour of the region, he urged them to prioritize development over political rhetoric during the ongoing weeklong tour.

“In the last election, Mt Kenya voted for development, and development, as we all know, comes through the Office of the President. When he visits next week, let our focus be on that development – not on the politics,” he wrote.

“A time for politics will come—but it is not now, and it is certainly not next week. This is a time to engage constructively, to secure what we voted for, and to prioritize the needs of our people,” he added.