Babu Owino slams Ruto over Ksh10K promise to Nairobi demolition victims

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has taken a swipe at President William Ruto, accusing him of failing to fulfil his promise to victims of recent demolitions in Nairobi.

Babu Owino criticized Ruto for not delivering on his pledge to give Ksh10,000 to each affected person, arguing that the amount is insufficient to sustain those who lost their homes.

Babu Owino emphasized the inadequacy of the proposed Ksh10,000, pointing out that many of the affected individuals live in houses that cost much more.

He highlighted that even those living in simpler, iron-sheet homes would struggle to make ends meet with the promised amount.

The MP also expressed frustration over the delay in disbursing the funds, noting that the victims have already suffered significant losses due to floods that destroyed their homes, children’s books, and uniforms.

“Ruto asicheze na maisha ya watu. Juzi, amebomolea watu apa akisema atapea kila mtu Ksh10,000. Elfu kumi inaweza fanya nini? Watu wanaishi nyumba ya elfu kumi na kitu wewe unawapatia elfu kumi. Ata kama ni elfu tano, nyumba ya mabati, iyo atakula nini? Floods zimebeba nguo, vitabu za watoto, na uniforms, imeenda na kila kitu. Ata iyo elfu kumi alisema anapeana, bado hajapeana. Watu wanabomolewa, wanaamishwa waende waishi kwa mlima,” Babu Owino retorted.

Adding;

“The only house in a hilly area ni State House. Anataka watu wakuje waishi na yeye State House? Itafika wakati watu watachoka. Hatutakua tunabembeleza Ruto wakati wote.”

Babu Owino accuses President Ruto of Failing to deliver promised Ksh10,000 to Nairobi demolition victims pic.twitter.com/aSEtG4z9GM

— Kenyans.co.ke (@Kenyans) June 3, 2024

Ruto’s Ksh10K promise

President Ruto pledged Ksh10,000 to each household in Nairobi displaced by recent flooding to help them find temporary accommodation.

Speaking in Kiamaiko, Mathare slums, on Monday, April 6, 2024, Ruto emphasized the government’s dedication to assisting displaced families during this difficult period.

“To the 40,000 households displaced in Nairobi for their safety, the government will provide each home with Ksh10,000 to secure temporary housing while waiting for further government plans,” Ruto said.

He assured the affected families that their details had been recorded, and the government would ensure they received financial aid for housing for the next three months as their situations were being managed.

“We have documented the names of every displaced household and will make sure those affected receive money for rent for the next three months while the government works on a permanent solution,” he added.

Ruto also emphasized that the funds allocated for displaced families would be protected from corruption, warning that any attempts to misuse the money would be dealt with strictly.

“I’ve said this money will not be taken by the rich; those who try will face me. I’ve warned the corrupt and thieves that their attempts will be met with consequences,” Ruto vowed.

Expressing sympathy for the affected families, Ruto acknowledged the significant losses and damage they suffered due to the floods, including the destruction of homes and personal belongings.

“First, I want to extend my condolences to those who lived here; your homes have been destroyed by the floods. Your possessions have been lost, including utensils, blankets, and mattresses,” he said.

Ruto also reassured flood victims that the government had secured enough food supplies to sustain them until they could be resettled, urging them not to worry about hunger.

“First, I want to assure you that no citizen will go hungry. No child will sleep hungry; we will provide enough food for everyone until you are settled and back to normal,” he assured.

Additionally, the President announced a Ksh1 billion government allocation for the construction of new schools in Nairobi, highlighting the administration’s commitment to improving educational infrastructure.

“Here in Nairobi, the government has allocated Ksh1 billion to build new schools,” he disclosed.