Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga has hit out at the government over the rising cost of living, saying ordinary Kenyans continue to bear the brunt of economic hardships despite promises of relief.

Speaking at a resort in Malindi on Monday, March 3, 2025, Odinga, who was flanked by Kilifi ODM leaders, said the economic strain on ordinary citizens had worsened, with the high cost of basic commodities, exorbitant taxes, and failing healthcare services making life unbearable for millions across the country.

He further criticised the slow disbursement of county funds, saying devolution was being stifled due to insufficient financial support from the national government.

“Vile gavana amesema, nimekuja na nimewaeleza swala nyeti. Na wao wenyewe viongozi hawa wote wametoa maoni yao. Wakasema shida iko hapa. Kiuchumi wananchi wanaumia. Hali na gharama ya maisha imepanda, ushuru uko juu. Kwa upande wa matibabu, hii mambo ya SHA bado haijafanya kazi sawasawa. Wako na shida. Na upande ya ugatuzi, shida iko ni kuwa pesa haiji ya kutosha hapa chini ya kufanya kazi sawasawa,” Odinga stated.

The leader, who was accompanied by Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro, his deputy Flora Chibule, Watamu MCA Ibrahim Abdi, Kilifi County Assembly Speaker Teddy Mwambire, and Senator Stewart Madzayo, said that local leaders had expressed deep concerns over the government’s failure to prioritise key development projects in the region.

He noted that the lack of adequate funding had slowed down infrastructure development, including road construction and the upgrading of markets, which had left traders struggling to operate in poor conditions.

He further pointed out that the affordable housing programme, which the government had touted as a key pillar of economic progress, was facing major setbacks, making it difficult for low-income earners to access decent housing.

“Ilibidi wamesema ati mambo ya miundombinu pia haiendeshwi sawasawa. Mambo ya hii ujenzi ya masoko, hata hii affordable housing vile vile kuna changamoto. Wanataka waone vile hayo mambo itarekebishwa,” he added.

ODM unity

Odinga, whose presence in Kilifi underscored his continued influence in the region, said that beyond the economic difficulties, there were growing concerns that his party, ODM, needed to be strengthened ahead of the next general elections.

He revealed that the Kilifi leaders had made it clear that they wanted ODM to solidify its position as a dominant political force, ensuring that it remained a formidable player in the country’s political landscape.

He emphasised that he had been granted the mandate to push forward with political negotiations, not just with the government but also with opposition allies, as part of a broader strategy to ensure a united and strong front in future electoral contests.

“Lakini cha muhimu zaidi wamesema wanataka chama chetu cha ODM kiimarishwe na ODM iwe na nguvu kuendelea mbele hata kuelekea kwa uchaguzi unaokuja. Lakini cha muhimu pia wamenipea ruhusa kuendelea mbele. Kwa hivyo hakuna tofauti na yale nilisema jana. Na wamenipatia mimi kibali niweze kuongea na wengine sio tu upande ile ingine ya serikali lakini pia wenzetu ambao wako kwa upinzani,” he stated.