Gachagua Warns Kenyans Against Buying Affordable Housing Units, Vows Policy Review if Affordable Housing Units

Gachagua Warns Kenyans Against Buying Affordable Housing Units, Vows Policy Review if Opposition Wins in 2027

NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged Kenyans to exercise caution before investing in houses under President William Ruto’s Affordable Housing Programme, claiming that a future opposition government would review the initiative and abolish the controversial Housing Levy.

The remarks mark the latest escalation in the political contest surrounding one of the Kenya Kwanza administration’s flagship projects, which has been promoted as a solution to the country’s housing deficit and a key driver of employment creation.

Speaking during a press briefing, the Democracy for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader warned prospective homeowners against committing their savings to the government-backed housing programme, arguing that its future remains uncertain ahead of the 2027 General Election.

According to Gachagua, an opposition administration that succeeds President Ruto would reassess policies introduced under the current government, including the Affordable Housing Programme and the Housing Levy used to fund it.

“We’ll do away with the housing levy and I want to put Kenyans on notice. You are being asked to start paying for these houses. Please don’t. You’ll just lose your money next year. Don’t throw good money after bad. Keep away from those affordable houses,” Gachagua stated.

Housing Programme Remains a Key Government Project

The Affordable Housing Programme has emerged as one of the most ambitious projects undertaken by President Ruto’s administration. The initiative seeks to address Kenya’s growing housing shortage while creating employment opportunities in construction and related industries.

The programme is primarily funded through the Housing Levy, which requires employees to contribute 1.5 percent of their gross monthly salary, matched by an equal contribution from employers.

Government officials have consistently defended the project, arguing that it has already generated thousands of jobs and accelerated the development of housing units and supporting infrastructure across the country.

However, the initiative has also faced legal challenges and political opposition, with critics questioning its financing model and long-term sustainability.

Gachagua Predicts Political Change in 2027

During his address, Gachagua expressed confidence that President Ruto would not secure a second term in office and claimed that a new administration would immediately review key government programmes.

“Because next year, sure as December 25 is Christmas, William Ruto and his people will go home. There will be a new administration. That will do away with the housing levy. So it is foolish and unwise to put your money when you know that chances are nine to one you will lose your money,” he said.

The former deputy president recently announced plans to retreat to his Wamunyoro residence for a 45-day consultation period aimed at helping opposition leaders develop a united strategy ahead of the 2027 polls.

His latest comments are likely to intensify debate over the future of the Affordable Housing Programme, which remains central to the government’s economic agenda.

Fresh Claims Over Land Transactions

Beyond housing, Gachagua also made fresh allegations regarding land transactions in parts of the country, particularly in Kiambu County.

The former deputy president accused senior government officials of facilitating the subdivision and sale of land that he claimed belongs to private individuals.

“Again we have seen a lot of land belonging to private people being grabbed by William Ruto and PS Nixon Korir, especially here in Kiambu, where large tracts of land belonging to private people are being subdivided and sold hastily to investors,” Gachagua alleged.

He warned investors to conduct due diligence before purchasing land associated with such developments, claiming that a future administration could revisit the transactions.

The government has not publicly responded to the allegations.

Old Video Resurfaces

Interestingly, Gachagua’s criticism of the housing programme comes amid renewed attention to an older video recorded while he was still serving as Deputy President.

In the clip, which has circulated widely on social media, Gachagua strongly defended the Affordable Housing Programme, describing it as a transformative initiative capable of helping thousands of Kenyans achieve home ownership.

He also praised its potential to create jobs for young people and encouraged contractors to pay workers on a weekly basis to improve their welfare.

The resurfacing of the footage has fueled debate among political observers, with some pointing to the contrast between his earlier support for the programme and his current opposition to it.

As political alignments continue to shift ahead of the 2027 General Election, the Affordable Housing Programme is expected to remain a major issue in Kenya’s national conversation, with supporters and critics offering competing visions for its future and impact on ordinary Kenyans.

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Gachagua Warns Kenyans Against Buying Affordable Housing Units, Vows Policy Review if Opposition Wins in 2027