Joakim Simiyu: Ruto’s debt pressure is pushing govt deeper into citizens’ pockets
By Sharon Atieno, May 28, 2026Safina Party Secretary General Joakim Simiyu has intensified his criticism of the government’s economic direction, arguing that President William Ruto’s growing debt obligations are forcing the state to increasingly rely on citizens’ incomes and savings.
Speaking in a local station during an interview on Thursday, May 28, 2026, Simiyu argued that President William Ruto’s growing debt obligations are forcing the state to increasingly rely on citizens’ incomes and savings.
He said Kenya’s current borrowing model is no longer sustainable, warning that continued domestic borrowing is creating what he described as a crowding-out effect in the economy, where government competes with citizens for access to bank credit.
“Whose money are they taking? Whose money is in the bank? It is our savings they are going to borrow, and it shall be paid by our taxes,” he said.
Concerns over domestic borrowing and taxation
Simiyu warned that increased domestic borrowing risks slowing economic activity by limiting credit available to businesses and households already under pressure from the high cost of living.
“If the government borrows internally, it is going to hurt our economy more and more,” he said.
He argued that rising debt repayment obligations are pushing the government to expand revenue collection measures, including taxation and transaction-based charges, which he says are increasingly affecting ordinary Kenyans.
“When they come for our income and tax everything and realise it is not enough, they now begin making cuts into our profits in business,” he stated.
Too late for corrective measures?
“It is too late for William Ruto to do anything because how much are we making and how much are we using to pay debt?” Simiyu said.
He further argued that key actors within government are aware of the economic challenges but remain part of the system, limiting meaningful reform.
“Anyone in government is not in a position to take any corrective measures. It is not that they don’t know; they know, but they are part of the mess,” he added.
Security concerns raised
His remarks come amid heightened political debate following a recent security breach involving President William Ruto during a public event, where a man briefly accessed the podium before being subdued by security officers.
Simiyu condemned the lapse, insisting that political competition must remain peaceful.
“We want to defeat a healthy man,” he said, urging authorities to take presidential security seriously regardless of political differences.
The incident has since triggered wider discussions on security preparedness and governance pressures facing the current administration.