NAIROBI, Kenya — Raila Odinga Jr has raised concern over the rising cost of living in Kenya, warning that increasing prices of basic goods are placing growing pressure on households across the country.
Speaking on Sunday, May 24, 2026, during a church service at the Cathedral of Faith in Nairobi, Raila Jr said many families are struggling to cope with the rising cost of essential commodities, including food, fuel and housing.
He noted that persistent inflation has forced households to tighten budgets and adjust spending as daily life becomes more expensive.
“These days, life has become difficult,” he said, adding that the burden is being felt widely across the country.
Raila Jr called for structured and peaceful engagement between citizens and the government, arguing that dialogue remains the most effective way to address economic challenges without escalating tensions.
He urged leaders to communicate more clearly and consistently about the state of the economy, saying transparency is critical in helping citizens understand the factors driving price increases.
“So even if we talk with the government, we know sometimes things can be difficult abroad, and it affects the prices of goods,” he said. “But when you talk to the people, speak to us with order and peace, because down here we are also being squeezed.”
He cautioned against turning cost-of-living concerns into political disputes, warning that such an approach risks deepening divisions at a time when cooperation is needed.
Drawing on the legacy of his father, Raila Odinga, he emphasised the importance of dialogue and peaceful engagement in addressing national challenges.
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“Baba was the first to speak when prices of goods increased. But Baba was also a man of peace. His first thing was not war, it was to talk,” he said.
Raila Jr also urged government officials to listen more closely to public concerns and respond in a way that builds trust and accountability.
His remarks come amid sustained public concern over inflation and the rising cost of living, with many households reporting reduced purchasing power and increasingly tight financial conditions.
