William Ruto Threatens To Deal With Petitioners Blocking Housing Project In Court: "Niko Na Sword"

• The Housing Project must go on as planned, President William Ruto says as he puts on notice the naysayers challenging it in the corridors of justice
• Speaking in Kisii on Saturday, December 16, the president said ''he would use his sword'' to protect his agendas
• Ruto and his cronies have extolled the affordable housing agenda as that which will solve unemployment and provide decent shelters for commoners

Kai Eli, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Kisii - President William Ruto has insisted that he remains committed to continuing his housing plan despite the challenges it is currently encountering.

The president vowed to deal with the naysayers using the corridors of justice to challenge the programme.

Ruto's bad blood with Kenyan tycoons

He spoke in Kisii on Saturday, December 16, when he attended a Thanksgiving function at the St Cardinal Otunga High School in Mosocho, in the company of his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, and other ranking local leaders.

With all the powers at his disposal, symbolised by the sword, the president vowed to be the bulwark of his ambitious plan.

"Those people who are going to court to block us from undertaking the affordable housing project are the enemies of Kenya. I want to assure you that you gave me the powers, and I will deal with them. All I need is your prayers. I was already given the sword. Do you think it's for cutting vegetables? It's for dealing with all these criminals.

The president had accused wealthy Kenyans of opposing the housing project by filing court cases.

Housing Levy declared unconstitutional

The High Court in Nairobi declared the involuntary deduction of Housing Levy from Kenyan employees unconstitutional, dealing the president's pet project a significant blow.

The deductions were meant to fund the Affordable Housing Project, a significant component of Ruto's Kenya Kwanza government.

Ruto is, however, determined to ensure the Affordable Housing Project continues unabated despite the legal hurdles.

He said he would not stop sourcing land to construct affordable houses, which "create jobs and enable ordinary Kenyans to own homes".

"I was looking for land in Kajiado North, and I'm happy that the youths have allowed us to begin building here. We will do this in every part of the country because building these houses gives the youth jobs and enables mama mbogas and boda boda riders to own homes.

"Ordinary Kenyans can pay KSh 3,000 or KSh 4,000 and eventually own houses. Currently, an ordinary Kenyan needs at least KSh 40,000 to afford a house. That means only a few people can afford such houses," said Ruto.

He argued that affordable and social housing was a right for all Kenyans, and he would stop at nothing to ensure this right was attainable.

"That's why I am pushing this. Those who have gone to court to stop this project can afford that KSh 40,000. My question is, Why do they want to block mama mbogas and boda boda riders from an opportunity to afford houses?" he posed.

The president said that all Kenyans, including the less fortunate, had a right to afford a house and that it was his responsibility as the head of state to ensure equality across all social backgrounds.

Inside Ruto's pet project

In the finance law, an employee would remit to the National Housing Development Fund established under section 7 of the Housing Act 3% of their monthly basic salary.

The government had denied that it would be a tax, instead christening it a savings plan.

A considerable chunk of Kenyans has, however, not been convinced that the plan is aimed at their common good.

The modality of the fund has been, according to many, unclear, with Kenyans poking holes in the manner it was sold to them.

Among the issues, the Doubting Thomases are seeking clarity on include how the kitty would be managed and the interest contributors would earn.