Sifuna hits back at Ruto over housing levy and SHA deductions
The political stand-off between President William Ruto and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has taken a new twist after the Linda Mwananchi team leader hit back at the Head of State over his remarks on the housing levy during an ongoing tour of the North Rift region. In a strongly worded response shared on his social […]
Political tensions between President William Ruto and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna escalated on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, as Sifuna launched a pointed response to Ruto's comments on the housing levy during an ongoing visit to the North Rift region. In a forceful statement posted to his social media platforms, Sifuna challenged Ruto's focus on the Ksh24,000 monthly contribution to the housing levy, demanding transparency regarding deductions related to the Social Health Authority (SHA) and Pay As You Earn (PAYE) taxes.
"Has he finished ranting about the Ksh24K I pay for his housing scam when I pay another Ksh43K monthly for his SHA scam? We need to discuss this," Sifuna asserted.
The senator alleged that he contributes Ksh500,000 in PAYE taxes every month, accusing the president of squandering government funds on personal indulgences such as tea and mandazi at State House while disparaging Kenyans who contribute to public revenue. Sifuna vowed that if his party gains power in the 2027 General Election, the housing levy would be eliminated. "In 2027, we will trim the fat from our budget to provide relief to all Kenyan workers. The housing levy will go with Ruto," he declared.
This response followed Ruto's own rebuttal on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, to Sifuna's disclosure that he pays an average of Ksh24,000 towards the housing levy and called for accountability in how the government spends these funds. On October 8, Sifuna defended his opposition to the Affordable Housing Programme in the Senate, highlighting the jobs created for young Kenyans and the benefits promised to residents of informal settlements.
Ruto responded by questioning Sifuna's stance on the Affordable Housing Programme, alleging that the senator was neglecting the employment opportunities created and the benefits expected by families living in informal areas.
The feud intensified as Ruto estimated Sifuna's monthly earnings at around Ksh1.8 million using the senator's disclosed deductions, further fueling the discussion over the housing levy and government taxation policies. The ongoing clash between the two leaders reflects a broader political debate on taxation, healthcare contributions, and the cost of living, with both sides presenting contrasting views on the impact of government policies on Kenyan workers.
Written by urgent.news from People Daily Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
