Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has intensified his criticism of President William Ruto’s administration, months after his impeachment.
Gachagua, in a recent interview on December 29 in Kakamega, accused the government of using the affordable housing program, one of Ruto’s signature initiatives, to benefit senior government officials rather than the Kenyan people.
The former Deputy President claimed that top government figures have financial stakes in a company that produces cement, steel, and iron sheets, which he believes is influencing the government’s push for the housing program.
He stated that the program’s true purpose is to benefit these officials’ business interests rather than address Kenya’s housing needs.
“The housing program has nothing to do with providing homes for Kenyans; it’s about business.
Very senior people in government have shares in companies that manufacture cement, steel, and iron sheets, which is why the government is pushing this program,” Gachagua said.
He further alleged that officials in the housing department are pressuring contractors to sign subcontracts with this company, ensuring a steady supply of building materials.
“The housing department is forcing contractors to sign subcontracts with a company where senior government officials have stakes.
That’s why this housing program is being forced on the Kenyan people,” he added.
Additionally, Gachagua criticized the government’s decision to promote local clinker manufacturing, which he believes is contributing to the rising price of cement.
He accused senior government figures of having financial interests in a clinker manufacturing company, which he claims led to the halt of clinker imports and a sharp increase in cement prices from sh600 to sh900.
“Due to conflict of interest, senior officials have shares in a clinker manufacturing company, which is why they stopped clinker imports and pushed for local production.
This resulted in higher cement prices, and those in government are benefiting from the price hike,” he stated.
Gachagua’s current stance contradicts his earlier support for the affordable housing program when he was still Deputy President.
In April 2024, he praised the initiative, noting its positive impact on job creation and business opportunities, particularly for artisans and skilled youth in the informal sector.
The former Deputy President’s remarks come shortly after President Ruto announced the completion of 4,888 affordable housing units across the country, marking a significant milestone in the program.
Ruto also outlined plans to begin selling the units, which include single-room and one-bedroom houses, as part of the government’s efforts to provide affordable housing for all.
Earlier this year, President Ruto also launched the Cemtech Cement Factory in West Pokot, which aims to produce 6,000 metric tons of cement daily.
The factory, a subsidiary of Devki Group, is expected to reduce cement prices and boost local infrastructure, benefiting both the housing sector and the local economy by creating over 2,500 jobs.
Ruto emphasized that this initiative, along with other investments, is key to expanding Kenya’s manufacturing sector.
