President William Ruto has criticised Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna over his remarks on the Social Health Authority (SHA) contributions, defending the system that requires higher-income earners to pay more for healthcare.
Speaking in Kanyao, West Pokot County, on Wednesday, October 14, Ruto described Sifuna as an arrogant leader who had little regard for ordinary Kenyans after the senator questioned his monthly SHA contribution of Ksh43,000.
The President argued that Kenyans earning higher salaries should contribute more to the health insurance scheme to help bridge the funding gap created by lower contributions from low-income households.
President William Ruto and Senator Edwin Sifuna. Photo: Courtesy.
Ruto maintained that the arrangement would enable Kenyans across different income groups to access healthcare without struggling to meet medical expenses.
He also challenged leaders who can afford private medical insurance not to disregard the challenges facing ordinary citizens.
The Head of State reiterated that the SHA framework was designed to promote equity in the country, particularly in healthcare financing, by requiring individuals to contribute according to their financial capacity.
He further warned residents against electing leaders he considers disconnected from the needs of ordinary Kenyans, arguing that such leadership could undermine efforts to achieve equitable access to public services.
Ruto’s remarks came hours after Sifuna challenged him to address concerns surrounding SHA deductions, following an earlier dispute over the Housing Levy.
In his response, the senator questioned the President’s monthly Pay As You Earn (PAYE) deductions, which he claimed amounted to Ksh500,000, and criticised government spending.
Sifuna also vowed that the Linda Mwananchi Movement would push for budget cuts in 2027 to ease the financial burden on Kenyan workers, including by seeking the removal of the Housing Levy.
The exchange comes amid growing political debate over statutory deductions, the cost of living and the financing of public healthcare ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Earlier, Ruto also took aim at Sifuna over his alleged drinking habits, claiming that the senator went on a drinking spree after launching the Equitable Party.
The remarks added to the escalating political exchanges between the two leaders.
