President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga shared messages of goodwill with Kenyans as they welcomed New Year 2023.
While ushering in the new year in Mombasa, the Head of State commended Kenyans for persevering in what has been an otherwise challenging year.
“The country has experienced a myriad of challenges stemming from the pandemic to economic challenges brought by the war in Ukraine.”
“We thank God that Kenya has been able to survive through those challenges and we look forward to a prosperous 2023,” the President spoke in Mombasa on December 31.
On how the country will recover in 2023 the president announced, “I have taken a bold measure to ensure the country recovers economically by removing subsidies which were initially a strategy deployed for political expediency.”
Ruto warned Kenyans that the removal of subsidies would hurt Kenyans in the short term but it would bear long-term benefits.
On his part, Raila Odinga thanked God for guiding Kenyans through 2022 which had a myriad of its challenges.
“We thank God that we are able to celebrate the New Year but as we celebrate it is also paramount that as a nation we recalibrate.”
The former Prime Minister, like the president listed challenges Kenyans faced in 2022.
“We had a difficult 2022 that had a hotly contested election and also tough economic times that continues as we usher in 2023,” the Azimio leader remarked in a statement.
“I am however buoyed and looking forward to a better year and better times in 2023,” an optimistic Raila told the nation.
The ODM leader also warmed up to constitutional amendments being proposed by the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
“I am looking forward to a robust conversation on ways how to improve our constitution and governance institutions,” Raila remarked.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua also sent a message of goodwill to Kenyans.
"A New Year means renewed hope and we look forward to a great Kenya in 2023," the DP remarked in his New Year message.
