Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP–K) leader Eugene Wamalwa has slammed President William Ruto’s economic policies, claiming the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda has failed ordinary Kenyans.
Speaking in a radio interview on Monday, October 13, 2025, Wamalwa argued that the President and his government lack a coherent plan to improve citizens’ lives.
If you ask any Kenyan, their lives are not better than three years ago. Life is bitter. Every worker, whether a teacher, nurse, or police officer, has a gaping hole in their payslip that wasn’t there before,” Wamalwa said.
He referred to deductions like the housing levy, which he said take away disposable income without providing the promised benefits.
Wamalwa criticised how resources under the Bottom-Up plan are being misused.
“You’re paying for a house that you never get. Public land is being given away and used as bribes. Twenty per cent goes to teachers, ten per cent to police officers. Our lives were much better before,” he said.
He argued that the Bottom-Up initiative is not working as intended.
“So, is the plan working? No. The Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda is not right,” he added, emphasising that the President himself is the one without a real plan.
The DAP–K leader stressed the importance of leadership rooted in accountability and integrity. Referencing Article 10 of the Constitution, Wamalwa noted the demands of Gen Z activists for good governance, honesty, and the end of corruption.
“What Kenyans need today is a clear plan to reset and restore the country to the path of the rule of law and leadership of integrity,” Wamalwa said.
Wamalwa also highlighted President Ruto’s ongoing discussions with former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Raila Odinga, and Gideon Moi to strengthen a broad-based government.
However, he insisted that political manoeuvring cannot replace a solid plan to improve the lives of ordinary citizens.
