Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has disclosed his reasons for disagreeing with President William Ruto on the affordable housing programme.

Speaking in Nairobi on Monday, January 27, 2025, during the launch of the Democratic Action Party Kenya (DAP-K), Gachagua cited the main reason why he could not go on supporting the programme was the presence of corruption and questionable dealings within the project.

In his address, Gachagua described the programme as the worst fraud against the people of Kenya.

“Looking at this affordable housing issue, it’s the worst fraud against Kenyans. It’s good today I tell the country, these were the things he (Ruto) told me to defend and I refused. I’m also stubborn. Initially, we believed the president that it was about creating employment, and it looked okay until I discovered it has nothing to do with housing – it’s just business,” Gachagua said.

The outspoken politician claimed that the reason he faces persecution from Ruto and his allies is for exposing the misuse of the housing levy collected from Kenyans.

“This housing levy being collected from Kenyans meant to ensure these houses are built is being used to sell cement, steel, and iron sheets. That is what the president is accusing me of not understanding and being incompetent,” he added.

He additionally vowed that in the next general election after the new government is sworn in, he will ensure that the Housing Levy is abolished in what he terms as an effort to restore the dignity of the payslip.

“Once a new government is sworn in, that housing levy will be abolished so that we restore the dignity of the payslip,” Gachagua added.

He criticized Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU-K) Secretary General Francis Atwoli over his recent silence on the increment of statutory deductions from workers’ salaries.

“I’ve noticed the workers’ leader has joined the praise and worship team. People are being pressured with NSSF matters, he doesn’t speak. His only job is praise and worship. These are the things we refused to do,” he stated.

Being truthful

Addressing President Ruto directly, Gachagua challenged him to be truthful about their fallout.

“I want to tell the president, stop lying to Kenyans, tell the truth, we disagreed over corruption because you and your people are spreading corruption,” he asserted.

The ousted UDA deputy leader warned that corruption would hinder national development if left unchecked.

“It is impossible to make any progress in this country unless we sort out this country in terms of leadership, we’ll see lower and lower (development),” he concluded.