A renowned Mount Kenya politician, Mwathi, has vehemently expressed opposition to Deputy President Ruto’s affordable housing initiative, stating, “We don’t want those affordable houses in our region.”
This bold statement has stirred controversy and raised questions about the motives behind the objection.
Under President Ruto’s manifesto, the ambitious plan to construct affordable houses across Kenya aims to create job opportunities for the nation’s youth during the construction phase.
However, Mwathi, an influential Kikuyu Member of Parliament, has taken a firm stand against the implementation of this project in his region.
Mwathi accuses Ruto of using the affordable housing platform as a means to acquire land, specifically targeting areas predominantly occupied by the Kikuyu community.
He asserts that Ruto has allegedly seized 300 acres of land in Laikipia, displacing Kikuyu residents without fulfilling the promise of constructing affordable houses on the acquired land.
The politician’s opposition is rooted in the belief that the affordable housing initiative is disproportionately favoring Ruto’s tribesmen.
Mwathi claims that the construction jobs generated in areas like Kiambu County are not being offered to the local residents but are allegedly benefiting individuals from Ruto’s ethnic background.
Expressing concern for the Laikipia community, Mwathi emphasizes that the displaced individuals are yet to witness any progress on the promised affordable housing projects.
He suggests that Ruto’s intentions may be questionable, alleging that the initiative serves as a guise for land acquisition rather than a genuine effort to address housing needs in the region.
Mwathi boldly declares, “We don’t want these affordable houses in our region. Ruto is using this project to grab our land. Now look, he has displaced our people in Laikipia County, and yet no houses are being built there. Let’s reject this.”
The opposition from Mwathi adds a layer of complexity to Ruto’s affordable housing initiative, fueling debates about land ownership, job distribution, and the sincerity of the project’s objectives.
As this controversy unfolds, it raises questions about the broader implications of affordable housing initiatives and the challenges they may encounter, particularly when met with resistance from influential regional figures.
The coming days will likely see further discussions and debates surrounding the allegations raised by Mwathi and the potential impact on the implementation of Ruto’s housing plan in the Mount Kenya region.
