The ongoing political rift between Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has intensified, with Duale fiercely defending the Affordable Housing Programme (AHP) against Gachagua’s recent criticisms.
In a strongly worded statement, Duale accused Gachagua of hypocrisy, pointing to past instances where the latter had publicly supported the initiative. The CS even shared a video clip of Gachagua praising the project, highlighting the apparent shift in his stance.
“It is both disheartening to see individuals who once championed this very program now standing in opposition to it,” Duale remarked. He further argued that opposing AHP is equivalent to stalling national progress and depriving many Kenyans of better living conditions.
Duale’s comments come amid growing political realignments following Gachagua’s removal from government circles. The ex-DP, now positioning himself as a people’s advocate, has been vocal in challenging various government initiatives. On Monday, during the launch of the Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) headquarters in Nairobi, he claimed the housing project was tainted with corruption and did not benefit the people as originally advertised.
“I believed the project was about job creation until it came to my attention that it has nothing to do with that,” Gachagua asserted. He further promised that once a new government is in place, the housing levy would be abolished to “restore the dignity of Kenyans’ payslips.”
Duale, however, dismissed these allegations, reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring the success of the program. He emphasized that AHP is not just about housing but also about creating employment opportunities for thousands of Kenyans.
“It is a fundamental right for every Kenyan to have a roof over their head and the chance to earn a livelihood,” Duale said. He insisted that political maneuvering should not come at the expense of national development.
The timing of this dispute is crucial, as it coincides with a period of political uncertainty in Kenya. With the next general election still a few years away, Gachagua’s attacks on government programs may be part of his broader strategy to rebuild political relevance. On the other hand, Duale’s defense of AHP underscores the administration’s determination to push forward its agenda despite opposition.
As the debate unfolds, the question remains whether Gachagua’s criticisms will gain traction among Kenyans or whether the government’s steadfast commitment to the housing project will solidify public trust in its development agenda.
