Editor's Review

Ruto called Sifuna proud and arrogant, and reminded him that his 'big' salary is paid for by taxpayers.

President William Ruto has clapped back at Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna for calling a discussion about why he contributes Ksh43,000 monthly to the Social Health Authority (SHA), which he argued is a scam.

Speaking in Kanyao, West Pokot County on Wednesday, October 14, Ruto said Sifuna was an arrogant and proud leader who did not care about the common mwananchi. 

He explained that Kenyans like the Senator, who earn more, must pay more in SHA remittances to bridge the gap left by the minimal payments made by low-income earners, allowing all Kenyans to access proper healthcare services.

"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.

"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!" Ruto barked.

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A file photo of President William Ruto interacting with Kacheliba residents.

The President reiterated that SHA was part of the plan to ensure equity in the country, including in the healthcare sector.

"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 noted.

Ruto warned the locals that they would be in trouble if they elected leaders like Sifuna to lead the country.

His response came hours after the Linda Mwananchi Movement's leader told the President that after he finished ranting about an earlier complaint he made about the Housing Levy, he should be open to discussing SHA and other deductions.

"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.

Earlier, Ruto hit out at Sifuna over his alleged love for the bottle. He sensationally claimed that immediately after he launched the Equitable Party, Sifuna went on a drinking spree to celebrate the milestone.