President William Ruto unleashed a sharp rebuttal against Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna following the lawmaker’s criticism of his monthly Ksh43,000 contribution to the Social Health Authority (SHA).

Addressing a public gathering in Kanyao, West Pokot County, on Wednesday, October 14, President Ruto criticized Sifuna, describing him as a proud leader detached from the struggles of ordinary citizens.

The Head of State defended the progressive contribution structure of SHA, explaining that higher-income earners, including elected officials, must contribute larger sums to subsidize healthcare access for low-income Kenyans and create a balanced healthcare system.

“I have heard them saying that they don’t want to pay SHA. In fact, one of them, who is very proud and arrogant, claims that he pays Ksh43,000. He does not understand that the salary he is paid is taxpayers’ money,” Ruto said.

“You want to have a personal medical cover because you have a big job. You now look down upon the common Kenyans, like the ones here in Kacheliba, and want them to sell their cows to foot medical bills. Shame on you!”

Reiterating his administration’s vision for universal health coverage, President Ruto noted that equitable contributions underpin the “bottom-up” economic model, enabling higher earners to support vulnerable households.

“We must have equity in this country. Those who earn more will pay more, and those with less will pay less. That is the essence of bottom-up; those high in the pyramid should be able to support those below,” he said.

He further warned residents against supporting leaders who oppose statutory contributions designed to cushion low-income earners from catastrophic medical expenses.

Sifuna Challenges Taxation Policies

The President’s remarks came after Sifuna, leader of the Linda Mwananchi Movement, pushed back against statutory deductions and urged a broader public discussion on tax policy, including PAYE and the Affordable Housing Levy.

Taking to social media, the Nairobi Senator criticized the high tax burden on Kenyan workers, vowing that opposition leaders will seek to dismantle key levies in the 2027 General Election.

“When we finish discussing SHA, we will have to talk about the Ksh500k in PAYE he takes every single month and splashes on tea and mandazi at State House all the while insulting us, the taxpayers that carry the burden of his greed. In 2027, we are cutting the fat out of our budget to bring relief to all Kenyan workers. The housing levy will go with Ruto,” Sifuna wrote.