Lawyer Willis Otieno has accused President William Ruto of misrepresenting the rise in diaspora remittances, arguing that the increase reflects growing hardship in Kenyan households rather than confidence in the country’s economy.
Otieno issued the criticism in a statement shared on X, responding to recent remarks by the President celebrating the upward trend in funds sent by Kenyans abroad.
Ruto has previously described diaspora earnings as one of the country’s most dependable economic pillars, noting that the inflows now surpass traditional foreign-exchange sources such as tea and horticulture.
His administration has used the figures to promote the success of its economic reforms under the Bottom-Up agenda, which aims to expand opportunities for low-income earners and strengthen the labour market.
Otieno challenged that interpretation, saying the surge is tied to deteriorating conditions at home.
He argued that more Kenyans are relying on relatives abroad as the cost of basic commodities rises and job opportunities shrink.
In his statement, he said families are “desperate” and depend increasingly on remittances to cover routine expenses.
The lawyer linked the growth in remittances to a weakened shilling and pressure facing key economic sectors.
He suggested that Kenyans overseas are increasing the amounts they send because past contributions are no longer adequate for their dependents back home.
According to him, this should be viewed as a warning sign rather than an economic milestone.
Debate over the meaning of remittance trends has intensified in recent years as more Kenyans seek opportunities abroad.
Official data shows that the inflows have become the country’s largest source of foreign income, but analysts have long noted that the figures can rise during difficult economic periods as families look to the diaspora for support.
Otieno said portraying the remittance growth as a government achievement overlooks the impact of inflation and unemployment on ordinary households.
His remarks come at a time when economic performance has become a central talking point across political parties, especially as the country prepares for intensified political activity ahead of future electoral cycles.
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