‘I Have Authority From Kenyans And God,’ President Ruto Vows To Continue With Affordable Housing Projects
President William Ruto has reiterated that his government will proceed with its affordable housing initiatives as scheduled, despite the Court of Appeal’s recent ruling on Friday declining to halt a High Court directive deeming the housing levy unconstitutional.
Addressing the audience in Kiutine, Meru County, on Friday, Ruto underscored that despite the court’s decision, he has garnered substantial public backing to advance the housing initiatives. He asserts that these programs will generate numerous employment opportunities for the youth in Kenya.
He likened the purported public support to receiving a directive from God.
“Housing mnasema iendelee ama isiendelee? Wale wanasema housing iendelee nione kwa mikono. Si nyinyi ndio kusema Kenya hii. Kuna public participation kuliko hii yenu? Amri yenu ndio amri ya Mungu. Kwa hivyo mimi niko na amri ya kutosha na nitasongesha (housing) mbele,” said Ruto.
In its Friday judgment, the Court of Appeal affirmed that the introduction of the Housing Levy occurred without a proper legal framework.
“The trial Court held that the Housing Levy was introduced without a legal framework. It also held that the levy was targeting a section of Kenyans. In our view, the public interest lies in awaiting the determination of the appeal,” reads the court ruling in part.
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“This is because if the stay sought is granted at this stage, should the appellate Court affirm the impugned decision, then some far-reaching decisions that will have been undertaken under the impugned laws may not be reversible.”
The controversy surrounding the Housing levy has led to a clash between members of the Kenya Kwanza government and legislators aligned with the opposition, regarding its proposed implementation.
Raila Odinga, the leader of the Azimio la Umoja coalition, has called on all employers to cease the payment of the housing levy by the recent High Court decision.
Ruto has maintained that the Housing plan is a fundamental cornerstone of his administration.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has also called on the Judiciary to take into account the wider societal consequences of its ruling. He contends that the tax is facilitating the government’s efforts to construct a large number of houses, aiming to address Kenya’s housing shortage.
‘I Have Authority From Kenyans And God,’ President Ruto Vows To Continue With Affordable Housing Projects