Lands and Housing Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome has hit back at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of spreading falsehoods about government projects, particularly the Affordable Housing Programme.
Speaking during an inspection of housing projects in Ukambani, Wahome expressed dismay at Gachagua’s remarks, arguing that they were misleading and politically motivated. She emphasized that many of the projects he now criticizes were initiated or commissioned during his tenure as Deputy President in the Kenya Kwanza administration.
“Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has forgotten that he was part of the Kenya Kwanza team and that he personally launched some of these government projects, either alone or jointly with President William Ruto,” Wahome stated. “He was our champion. Were his eyes closed at that time?”
In response to Gachagua’s claims that the housing programme lacks public support, Wahome defended the initiative, citing its economic benefits. She revealed that the housing sector has employed over 160,000 young people and significantly boosted industries such as cement production.
“I want to ask former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to be candid and honest with Kenyans. These projects are not just government ventures; they are transforming lives,” Wahome stated.
She dismissed Gachagua’s allegations that the housing initiative was a fraudulent scheme, challenging him to present evidence to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) if he believed there were irregularities.
“We assign this work to contractors; where does the President come in? The procurement process is public. For someone at the level of former Deputy President to suggest that my ministry is engaging in illegal contracts, I would ask him to present that claim to the EACC,” she stated.
Wahome also rejected Gachagua’s assertion that these projects would be discontinued under a new government, emphasizing that government initiatives operate in succession.
“This is not a personal project for Alice Wahome or the President; the programme belongs to Kenyans. Kenyans have invested in it,” she asserted.
Gachagua, who has recently been vocal in criticizing President Ruto’s administration, is increasingly positioning himself as an alternative voice in Mt. Kenya politics. His attacks on government projects indicate growing political divisions, setting the stage for further confrontations ahead of the 2027 elections.
