‘Shame on You!’ Sakaja Slams COTU, Critics Over Affordable Housing Project

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has fired back at the Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) and political leaders criticizing the government’s affordable housing initiative, accusing them of misleading Kenyans and turning their backs on ordinary citizens.

Speaking during a church service at the Church of Christ in Africa in Nairobi, where he accompanied President William Ruto, Sakaja defended the housing levy and the integration of markets within the project.

“It is unbelievable that COTU can say building markets through the housing levy is misguided. If an affordable housing project is completed and a market is built nearby, what’s the problem? Families living in those houses need household supplies from those markets. Those fighting this project—shame on you!” Sakaja said.

He dismissed claims that the housing projects are unnecessary, arguing that such opposition often comes from leaders who are out of touch with the struggles of everyday Kenyans.

“We’ve heard leaders say, ‘We didn’t ask the president to build houses.’ But those houses aren’t being built for you—you live in mansions with seven toilets! Let others benefit. What are you offering?” he posed.

Sakaja also criticized political leaders for fueling division and inciting public anger instead of offering solutions.

“Leaders must understand that the positions we hold are not by our own power, but by God’s will,” he said. “Stop inciting the public. We found this country; we must leave it better than we found it.”

He called for unity, service, and a focus on improving the lives of ordinary Kenyans through practical solutions like affordable housing.

Article By Suzy Nyongesa.