Safina Party deputy leader Willis Otieno has criticised President William Ruto’s economic approach, accusing the government of overburdening citizens with heavy taxation that he says is stifling growth and reducing household purchasing power.

In a statement on his X account on May 26, 2026, Otieno contrasted the Safina Party’s proposed economic model with the current administration’s policies, arguing that Kenya’s growth should be anchored on expanding disposable income rather than taxing it aggressively.

“The difference between Safina Party and the economic model of William Ruto is simple: our focus is on protecting and expanding disposable income so that citizens can spend, invest, save, and grow businesses, while the current regime’s approach has been to target that same disposable income through heavy taxation aggressively,” Otieno said.

Economic expansion

Otieno has also warned that an economy cannot thrive when households are financially stretched.

He insisted that economic expansion depends on putting more money in the hands of citizens.

“An economy cannot grow when households are financially exhausted. Growth comes when workers, entrepreneurs, and young people have purchasing power flowing through the economy, not when every remaining shilling is absorbed by taxes and levies,” he added.

Safina’s party focus

Otieno said Safina Party’s alternative economic plan would prioritise productivity-driven growth, focusing on sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, technology, innovation, and job creation rather than increased taxation.

He added that sustainable economic growth requires an environment that encourages enterprise and investment while ensuring prudent government spending.

“A Safina Party government will focus on expanding the economy through productivity, innovation, manufacturing, technology, agriculture, and job creation instead of overburdening citizens with endless taxes. An economy grows when people have money to spend, businesses can expand, and young people can create wealth,” Otieno said.