In a post on X (formerly Twitter) dated January 4, 2026, Thang’wa highlighted that Kenya is roughly 800 times larger than Singapore, making it impractical to replicate the city-state’s disciplined growth model.
“You don’t shrink a country to fit a ruler. You elect a ruler who fits the country. We cannot shrink a nation like Kenya, a country 800 times bigger than Singapore, just to accommodate Kasongo’s fake dreams,” Thang’wa said, referring to President Ruto.
Thang’wa’s criticism echoes sentiments shared by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during a church service at AIPCA Kiratina in Githunguri, Kiambu County, on the same day.
Gachagua urged the President to prioritize fulfilling promises under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda before attempting ambitious international comparisons.
Gachagua specifically criticized the replacement of the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) with the Social Health Authority (SHA), describing the new system as problematic.
Gachagua specifically criticized the replacement of the National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF) with the Social Health Authority (SHA), describing the new system as problematic.
He called for restoring NHIF, warning that public discussions about Singapore-style reforms were premature while local issues remained unresolved.
The criticism comes amid widespread concerns about the practicality of applying Singapore’s governance and development model to Kenya, a country with a large, diverse population and unique socioeconomic challenges.
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka in December 2025 had similarly dismissed the Singapore vision, citing obstacles such as companies relocating to neighboring countries, high youth unemployment, and the need to address pressing domestic issues first.
Musyoka argued that the focus on a foreign model risked diverting attention from real challenges facing ordinary Kenyans.
Despite these criticisms, President Ruto has defended his agenda, emphasizing plans to elevate Kenya to first-world status through infrastructure, housing projects, and economic reforms inspired by Singapore’s disciplined growth.
The criticism comes amid widespread concerns about the practicality of applying Singapore’s governance and development model to Kenya, a country with a large, diverse population and unique socioeconomic challenges.
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka in December 2025 had similarly dismissed the Singapore vision, citing obstacles such as companies relocating to neighboring countries, high youth unemployment, and the need to address pressing domestic issues first.
Musyoka argued that the focus on a foreign model risked diverting attention from real challenges facing ordinary Kenyans.
Despite these criticisms, President Ruto has defended his agenda, emphasizing plans to elevate Kenya to first-world status through infrastructure, housing projects, and economic reforms inspired by Singapore’s disciplined growth.
He maintains that lessons from Singapore’s model, if adapted carefully, could accelerate Kenya’s development trajectory.