President Ruto Heaps Rare Praises on Raila Odinga for ‘Backing’ Affordable Housing Plan
President William Ruto has praised Raila Odinga, the leader of the Azimio la Umoja coalition, for supposedly recognizing the affordable housing plan implemented by Ruto’s government. Ruto believes that this acknowledgment should put an end to the discussions surrounding the housing levy.
The President stated that a housing program, widely adopted by many advanced nations, has been instituted to create employment opportunities for the youth and allow regular citizens to own homes.
Mr. Odinga, who has consistently opposed the housing scheme from its beginning, was reported by a certain segment of the media as stating that there is nothing objectionable about the affordable housing plan.
However, he faulted its design and implementation.
“The government should have first held a major national conference to make Kenyans understand its change of policy on housing and what it is all about before rolling it out,” Mr Odinga was quoted as saying.
Addressing the interdenominational prayer gathering at Approved School in Kakamega on Sunday, President Ruto called upon the opposition to conclude discussions on the affordable housing program.
“The former Prime Minister said affordable housing is a very important thing and that is what I have been saying. What was the bickering about? The argument over this program must stop now,” President Ruto said.
The President further said the housing program was included in the manifestos of Kenya Kwanza and Azimio la Umoja.
“If Azimio had formed the government, they would have implemented it in their way, but since we (Kenya Kwanza) are the ones in power, we will implement it in our model,” President Ruto said.
“Let everyone understand this so that we can move forward with this noble program that will provide job opportunities for our youth including engineers, carpenters, masons, manufacturers, quarry producers, architects, and transporters among others,” he added.
As part of the initiative, the government aims to build 20,000 cost-effective residences in every one of the 47 counties. President Ruto emphasized that this endeavor will generate job prospects for 30,000 young individuals in each county.
The country implemented the affordable housing initiative during the Narc regime, along with initiatives for upgrading slums, aiming to enhance the living conditions of individuals residing in informal settlements.
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Recognizing the program’s positive impact on the nation, Mr. Odinga criticized the Kenya Kwanza administration for imposing substantial taxes and demanding challenging repayment schedules, thereby placing a financial burden on the initiative.
He urged the initiation of a nationwide conversation, bringing together specialists to devise a well-defined plan for resolving the housing levy deadlock. The goal is to ensure that individuals are not compelled to make payments or purchase homes against their will.
President Ruto urged leaders to cease their disagreements and enable the government to fulfill its responsibilities, including job creation, enhancing food security, expanding electricity connectivity, providing healthcare services, and ensuring water supply for the people of Kenya.
“In addition, I have negotiated with several overseas countries, including the US, England, Germany, France, and Asian countries, for half a million jobs for our youth to work in their countries. We cannot allow a few people to be empowered while millions of people remain unemployed,” he said.
To tap into international employment opportunities, the President instructed Members of Parliament to set up digital hubs in counties within the next four months. The government will supply plans and equipment as per the amended NG-CDF Act.
In Kakamega, President Ruto stated that the government intends to supply 15,000 computer sets for installation in technical and vocational colleges as well as digital hubs throughout the county.
“I have already distributed 100 of the computers to Mushiangubu TVET College in Khwisero. This is how we can eradicate poverty from our country,” he said.
He mentioned that the government has completed the procurement procedures for establishing a gold refinery in Ikolomani. This initiative aims to tackle the difficulties encountered by artisanal miners in the area.
The president’s visit to the Western Region for four days seemed to yield positive results, as numerous Members of Parliament from that area expressed their commitment to collaborate with and endorse his administration in the days ahead.
The Members of Parliament who promised their backing for President Ruto’s administration consist of Bernard Shinali (representing Ikolomani), Johnson Naicca (representing Mumias West), Christopher Aseka (representing Khwisero), Peter Nabulindo (representing Matungu), Titus Khamala (representing Lurambi), and Clement Siloya (representing Sabatia).
Others are Malulu Injendi (Malava), Dan Wanyama (Webuye West), Charles Gimose (Hamisi), Emmanuel Wangwe (Navakholo), Innocent Mugabe (Likuyani), Nabii Nabwera (Lugari), John Waluke and Omboko Milemba (Emuhaya).
During the recent elections, ODM secured victory for 10 out of 13 MPs in Kakamega, while Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi’s ANC and DAP-K parties managed to secure only two seats combined.
“We appreciate that you are working towards reviving the Mumias Sugar Company, which is the beacon of the Western region’s economy. We will support you and your mambo matatu against those who are destroying our factories,” said Mr Naicca.
Mr. Nabwera, a trusted associate of Mr. Odinga, expressed that President Ruto’s visit to the area marked the commencement of a fresh and promising period.
“You have started a lot of development projects, including road projects that had stalled for a very long time in my constituency. I assure you that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. We will walk together,” said Mr Nabwera.
Mr. Shinali, the chairman of the Kakamega County MP caucus, commended President Ruto for fulfilling the commitments he made.
“We come from different political parties, but you did not consider our political differences and decided to work with each of us. We appreciate you and we will work with you and reward you in the coming days. As MPs from this region, we have decided to go with you to the end,” said Mr Shinali.
Governors Fernandes Barasa of Kakamega and Wilbur Ottichilo of Vihiga commended the President for launching initiatives they believe will bring about significant transformation in the area.
“The establishment of the School of Government in Vihiga is a game changer for the entire Lake Region Economic Bloc. I assure you that we will support you in the future,” said Mr Ottichilo.
Mr Barasa urged the President to stick to his development agenda.
He mentioned that despite originating from diverse political backgrounds, all governors in the region have agreed to collaborate with Ruto’s administration.
“We were impressed when you announced that you would support the revival and renewal of the management of Mumias Sugar Company. We are happy that the nucleus farm will now benefit local farmers through annual bonuses from the miller,” he said.
Moses Wetang’ula, the Speaker of the National Assembly, expressed that the gathering of Members of Parliament and other leaders from the Western region would unite them, encouraging the region to vote collectively in the future.
“Our unity will help this region grow in terms of development and industrial revival,” Wetang’ula said.
UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala called on opposition Members of Parliament who had promised to back the president to fulfill their commitments.
“In the run-up to the 2022 elections, many of you said you would support Ruto, only to jump ship at the last minute. We don’t want you to say you are behind the President but when the time comes for action, we find you missing,” he said.
Three Members of Parliament, namely Tindi Mwale, also known as Jeshi la Baba from Butere, Peter Salasya representing Mumias East, and Elsie Muhanda, the Woman Representative, were absent during the President’s visit to the area.
On January 21, 2024, President Ruto initiated his regional tour by participating in an interdenominational prayer session at Machakusi Primary School in Busia County. Subsequently, he revisited the area 10 days later, embarking on a four-day tour with a collection of benefits for different constituencies.
President Ruto Heaps Rare Praises on Raila Odinga for ‘Backing’ Affordable Housing Plan
