Gachagua Blasts Ruto’s Housing Project as a Crony Scheme

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has dismissed the government’s affordable housing program as a facade aimed at benefiting President William Ruto’s inner circle through lucrative tenders.

The program, introduced by Ruto’s administration, promised to address the housing deficit among low-income Kenyans while creating jobs for thousands of youths. Since 2023, salaried Kenyans have been required to contribute 1.5% of their pay, matched by employers, to fund the project.

Speaking during the unveiling of the Democratic Action Party (DAP) headquarters in Nairobi, Gachagua, who once championed the initiative, described it as “nothing more than a business scheme.”

“We initially believed the President when he said it was about job creation. A lot of English and promises were made,” said Gachagua, who had previously hailed the program as transformative for artisans and skilled youth. “It came to my attention that the real purpose is to secure tenders for connected companies. You have to sign sub-contracts to buy materials like cement, metal, and roofing sheets from these firms.”

Gachagua alleged that prominent individuals were behind the companies supplying these materials, adding that the levy collected from workers’ salaries ensures ongoing construction for the benefit of these businesses.

“This housing levy isn’t about helping Kenyans; it’s about keeping their supply chain active. That’s why the President accused me of not understanding the project and called me incompetent,” Gachagua said. “Once a new government is sworn in, we will abolish this levy and restore dignity to the payslip.”

During the 2023 Mashujaa Day celebrations, Ruto defended the program, announcing a Ksh.4.4 billion allocation to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) involved in housing projects. He emphasized its potential to boost local manufacturing, particularly through partnerships with the Jua Kali sector.

However, Gachagua’s criticism comes as part of a broader shift in his political strategy. Following his impeachment last October, he has been forging alliances with opposition leaders and mapping out his political future.

On Monday, Gachagua joined forces with DAP leader Eugene Wamalwa and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, vowing to block Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027.

“We will make whatever sacrifices necessary to ensure William Ruto is a one-term president,” Gachagua declared.

Over the weekend, Gachagua also met with NARC Kenya leader Martha Karua, who ran as Raila Odinga’s running mate in the 2022 elections. The meeting at Karua’s Gichugu home in Kirinyaga County adds to a series of consultations Gachagua has held with key political figures at his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri County.

As the former deputy president positions himself for a political comeback, his criticism of the affordable housing program and alliances with opposition leaders highlight a growing challenge to Ruto’s leadership.

Article By Suzy Nyongesa.