Naema Celestine 
| Mwau Dorothy |
Introduction
Azimio la Umoja leaders have come out in strong support of Faith Odhiambo’s decision to
decline President William Ruto’s appointment to the public debt audit task force.
They praised her for demonstrating integrity and standing up against what they perceived as a political
maneuver.
Odhiambo’s Integrity Praised
At a press conference, Azimio leaders highlighted Odhiambo’s principled stance. They argued
that her refusal to join the task force is a testament to her commitment to public service and
accountability. Raila Odinga, the Azimio leader, particularly commended her for not succumbing
to political pressure.
Raila Odinga’s Comments
Kalonzo Musyoka, “Faith Odhiambo has shown that there are still a few individuals of integrity
and patriotism who cannot be bought by political favors.” He emphasized that her decision
reflects a broader need for ethical leadership in handling the country’s financial issues.
Political Maneuver Allegations
Azimio leaders described the task force as an attempt by the government to provide superficial
solutions to deep-seated economic problems. They accused President Ruto’s administration of
using such appointments to deflect criticism and avoid genuine accountability regarding public
debt.
Criticism of the Government’s borrowing
Other Azimio leaders criticized the task force as a move to legitimize the government’s large
borrowing without considering its impact on the economy. They argued that the task force is
designed to justify further borrowing rather than addressing the root causes of the debt crisis.
Call for Transparency
Kalonzo Musyoka, another key Azimio leader, called for more transparent and accountable
methods to address public debt. “We need transparent and accountable methods to address public
debt, not task forces created to give the appearance of accountability,” Musyoka said.
Impact on the Economy
Azimio leaders warned that the government’s borrowing practices could have long-term negative
effects on the economy. They stressed the importance of addressing these issues through genuine
reforms rather than temporary measures like task forces.
Public Reaction
The public has reacted to Odhiambo’s decision with a mix of praise and concern. Many citizens
see her stance as a beacon of hope for ethical governance, while others worry about the
implications of rejecting such
