Ndindi Nyoro has sharply criticized William Ruto over proposals to introduce toll charges on major highways, arguing that Kenyans should not be forced to pay twice for roads already financed through taxes.
Speaking during a public engagement, Nyoro said citizens have consistently contributed through fuel levies, road maintenance levies, and other taxes meant to fund infrastructure development. According to him, it would be unfair for the government to impose additional toll fees on roads that were constructed using public funds.
The outspoken legislator pointed out that several key highways were built during the administrations of Mwai Kibaki, Uhuru Kenyatta, and Daniel arap Moi. He insisted that such roads should remain free for public use, as Kenyans already paid for them through taxation.
Nyoro suggested that if the government intends to introduce tolling, it should apply only to newly constructed expressways or expanded infrastructure. He specifically mentioned the possibility of building elevated sections along major corridors such as Mombasa Road and Thika Road, arguing that new investments could justifiably attract user fees.
“Kama unataka kuexpand Mombasa Road na Thika Road ujenge za gorofa ni sawa, lakini zile za chini zilijengwa na Kibaki, Uhuru na Moi ujue hatuwezi lipa. Ukitaka kutoll wewe jenga zako,” Nyoro stated, maintaining that existing ground-level roads funded by taxpayers must remain toll-free.
The remarks add to the growing public debate on infrastructure financing, with critics questioning whether tolling long-standing highways would overburden citizens already grappling with high taxation and rising living costs.
