Ruto, Sifuna trade words over Affordable Housing Programme in Western Kenya
By David Nthua, July 23, 2026President William Ruto and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna have exchanged sharp words over high-rise houses being built under the Affordable Housing Programme in Western Kenya.
The exchange began after Sifuna questioned whether 12-storey housing units suited the lifestyle of communities in the region.
Speaking during an interview on Mulembe FM on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, Sifuna used chicken keeping to challenge the design of the houses.
Ruto dismisses Sifuna’s remarks
“They have built 12-storey affordable housing units in Funyula. We Luhyas cannot live in a place where our chickens cannot. Tell me, boss, how will your chicken get to the 12th floor?” Sifuna said.
The President dismissed the argument and accused opponents of ridiculing government projects instead of presenting alternatives.
“There are people telling us that Kenyans should continue living in slums simply because a chicken cannot be taken to the 15th floor. Do these people really have any sense?” Ruto said.
He said the government would continue constructing affordable houses despite criticism from political leaders.
“These are the people who want to compete with me. When I told you they are brainless, you thought I was being unfair to them. We will continue with all these projects to better the lives of Kenyans,” Ruto added.
The government maintains that the housing programme is creating jobs and providing decent homes to Kenyans.
Sifuna responds to Ruto
Sifuna later responded through his social media pages.
“Ku argue na mimi mambo ya kuku ni kama ku argue na Methu mambo ya waru,” he wrote.
The statement translates to arguing with him about chicken being similar to arguing with Nyandarua Senator John Methu about potatoes.
Sifuna’s response extended the political exchange over the suitability of high-rise housing projects outside major urban centres.
The dispute also placed the Affordable Housing Programme at the centre of the growing political contest between Ruto and leaders associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement.
Sifuna has emerged as one of the President’s vocal critics ahead of the 2027 General Election.