Lawyer and political analyst Willis Otieno has expressed concerns regarding the recent stability of the Kenyan shilling, labeling the situation as questionable and possibly orchestrated to foster a misleading impression of economic strength.
In a post shared on X on Thursday, October 30, 2025, Otieno questioned how the local currency has managed to remain stable despite the country’s deteriorating financial circumstances, significant debt, and poor export performance. His comments come at a time when the shilling has been trading more consistently after several months of steep decline against major global currencies.
“How is it that the shilling has ‘miraculously’ stabilised when every economic indicator points to collapse? Are we witnessing fiscal discipline or currency theatre?” he inquired.
Otieno proposed that the current tranquility in the currency market may not stem from genuine economic progress, but instead be the result of artificial measures to uphold an appearance of stability in anticipation of the 2027 General Election.
“Is this stability real, or are we merely depleting our reserves and relying on borrowed funds to maintain a facade before 2027?” he remarked.
Public interest has surged regarding the government’s management of the economy, particularly with worries that the cost of living remains elevated despite the shilling’s apparent stability.
Otieno further questioned how Kenya can uphold a robust currency while its economic foundations are deteriorating.
“How can a nation overwhelmed by debt, facing declining exports and unprecedented import costs, sustain a stable shilling without divine intervention or intentional manipulation?” he inquired.
Numerous Kenyans have voiced similar worries about whether the nation’s economic stability is authentic or simply superficial. This statement contributes to the increasing conversation surrounding fiscal transparency, monetary policy, and the extent to which the government is prepared to go to instill confidence in a pressured economy.
