Former Deputy Chief of Staff Eliud Owalo has slammed President William Ruto’s ambitious plan to transform Kenya into a “Singapore-style” economy, leading raucous chants of “Singapore Tawe!” — a Luhyia phrase meaning reject Singapore — at a high-profile burial service in Kakamega this afternoon. The message has quickly reverberated across social media and political circles, signalling an intensifying campaign narrative as the 2027 general election looms.
Owalo’s unexpected shift to the political forefront comes on the heels of his dramatic resignation from State House on January 11, just hours after formally declaring his intention to run for president in 2027. He relinquished his role as Deputy Chief of Staff for Delivery and Government Efficiency — a post he held under President Ruto — to pursue his presidential ambitions, asserting that he could no longer serve while campaigning.
At the Kakamega burial, Owalo seized the moment to spotlight his critique of the Ruto administration’s economic vision. Supporters echoed his refrain, chanting “Singapore Tawe” — branding the idea of reshaping Kenya into an economic model like Singapore as out of touch with ordinary Kenyans’ immediate needs. The phrase quickly rippled online, becoming shorthand for rejection of the elite-driven “Singapore dream”.
Owalo told the crowd that “people cannot dream of Singapore while struggling to eat, access healthcare, or find jobs.” His message struck a populist chord: prioritize food security, affordable healthcare, and meaningful employment before chasing global economic fantasies. Analysts say this rhetoric resonates amid widespread frustration with the rising cost of living and unemployment, factors driving political discontent across the country.
The controversy cuts deep: while Owalo once helped build ties with Singapore during his tenure as Cabinet Secretary — including engagements with senior officials on digital growth and innovation — his current stance represents a sharp break from his earlier positions. Critics have accused him of opportunism, arguing he now denounces policies he previously supported in government. Some political commentators also suggest his loud rejection of the “Singapore dream” is designed to galvanize opposition support and tap into grassroots anger ahead of the election.
Owalo, however, has dismissed claims that he is a political pawn intended to undercut Ruto’s support base. In recent social media remarks, he rejected allegations that he remains secretly aligned with the president, insisting his campaign is grounded in listening to ordinary citizens and restoring dignity to national priorities.
President Ruto has stood by his economic blueprint, repeatedly asserting that disciplined growth and governance — hallmarks of Singapore’s success — could lift Kenya’s global competitiveness and transform national fortunes. Opponents argue this comparison overlooks Kenya’s social realities and pressing economic hardships.
With political temperatures rising and divergent visions for Kenya’s future taking centre stage, Owalo’s “Singapore Tawe” chants capture a broader backlash: Kenyans want tangible solutions to day-to-day crises — not just aspirational slogans.
