President William Ruto has launched a scathing attack on political leaders promising to abolish the Affordable Housing Programme if elected to office, accusing them of lacking a clear vision for Kenya.
In his remarks, Ruto questioned the reasoning behind plans to discontinue the housing initiative, claiming that the programme currently provides employment to 1.1 million Kenyans.
“Today we have 1.1 million Kenyans working in our housing program,” Ruto stated.
The Head of State criticised an unnamed political leader who had reportedly promised to stop the programme upon assuming the presidency.
“Yani ujinga haina matibabu,” Ruto remarked, loosely translating to “Ignorance has no cure.”
He argued that scrapping the programme would not only threaten employment opportunities but also deny low-income Kenyans access to decent housing and essential amenities.
Ruto questions opponents’ leadership credentials
The President accused critics of disregarding the living conditions of Kenyans residing in informal settlements, where access to clean water, electricity and sanitation remains a challenge.
“Yani, unataka kusimamisha housing, useme ya Kenya waendelee kuishi kwa slums mahali hakuna choo, hakuna maji, hakuna stima, wewe kwako you have 5 toilets,” he said.
Ruto further questioned the justification for terminating a programme he maintained was creating jobs for young people while improving housing conditions.
“Yani unasema ya kwamba vijana 1.1 million watoke kazini, kwa sababu umesimamisha mpango ya housing,” he added.
He also defended the programme’s potential to improve trading conditions for women currently operating in open-air markets exposed to harsh weather.
Ruto warns against gambling with Kenya’s future
Turning to the country’s political future, Ruto urged Kenyans to scrutinise the leadership proposals presented by politicians seeking national office.
“This is our country, let us not gamble with people who have no idea where to take our country,” he stated.
The President blamed what he described as leadership without a clear development agenda for Kenya’s economic challenges.
He accused some politicians of pursuing popularity rather than presenting practical solutions to the country’s problems.
“And the reason why we are a third world country and others are moved ahead is because of such people, who have no clue where to take our nation, who are chasing popularity,” Ruto said.
His remarks underscore the continuing political debate over the Affordable Housing Programme, one of the flagship initiatives of his administration.
