Azimio MPs lobbied to back Housing Bill in return for ODM leader’s endorsement
By Mercy.Mwai and Rawlings, February 19, 2024
President William Ruto plans to use the government’s endorsement for Raila Odinga’s bid to become the next African Union Commission’s (AUC) chair to garner support from opposition MPs to approve the Affordable Housing Bill currently before the House.
The bill, which is expected to come for third reading this week, has divided MPs with the opposition side insisting it is unconstitutional.
MPs allied to the government are converging in Naivasha to strategise on the bill.
The joint committees of Housing and Finance and Planning, after conducting public participation in 19 counties and engaging various stakeholders in the housing sector, approved the bill.
MPs revealed that the government side has been approaching individual MPs and opposition leadership to seek their support.
A source who did not want to be named said the government is of the opinion that the opposition should support them when the bill comes for third reading given its endorsement for Raila to gun for the AUC position.
Said the source: “It is only logical that the opposition supports this bill. We have supported them previously and we are doing the same now for Raila.”
The source revealed that the bill will be the highlight of today’s parliamentary group meeting that will be chaired by President Ruto.
But the leader of Minority Opiyo Wandayi and Minority whip Junet Mohammed said they are not aware of the government’s scheme.
Junet was categorical that opposition MPs will reject the bill.
“Our position is that we will reject this bill,” said Junet (pictured).
Bipartisan talks
Wandayi declined to comment on the matter.
Other than the Housing Bill, it is understood that the government side is also considering using the National Dialogue Committee (NADCO) report to seek support for the Housing Bill.
The NADCO report, which is expected to come up for debate next week, was unveiled last year following lengthy deliberations of a team led by National Assembly majority leader Kimani Ichung’wah, and Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
Last Friday, Ruto told MPs to pass the Bill.
“I am telling MPs on the Housing Bill lets pass it by Tuesday. Many of our youths have no jobs. Some are already on site.”