Ruto Leverages Government’s Endorsement for Raila’s AUC Bid to Secure Support for Affordable Housing Bill
President William Ruto intends to use the government’s endorsement of Raila Odinga’s bid to become the next chair of the African Union Commission (AUC) to rally opposition MPs to support the Affordable Housing Bill, which is currently before the House.
The bill, which is scheduled for third reading this week, has divided MPs, with the opposition claiming it is unconstitutional.
MPs aligned with the government are meeting in Naivasha to strategize on the bill.
After conducting public participation in 19 counties and engaging various housing stakeholders, the joint committees of Housing, Finance, and Planning approved the bill.
MPs revealed that the government has approached individual MPs and opposition leaders to gain their support.
According to an unnamed source, the government believes the opposition should support them when the bill comes up for third reading because it has endorsed Raila for the AUC position.
Said the source: “It is only logical that the opposition supports this bill. We have supported them previously and we are doing the same now for Raila.”
According to the source, the bill will be the main topic of today’s parliamentary group meeting, which will be chaired by President Ruto.
However, Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi and Minority Whip Junet Mohammed have stated that they are unaware of the government’s scheme.
Junet stated categorically that opposition MPs will oppose the bill.
“Our position is that we will reject this bill,” said Junet (pictured).
Wandayi declined to comment on the situation.
Aside from the Housing Bill, it is understood that the government is considering using the National Dialogue Committee’s (NADCO) report to gain support for the Housing Bill.
The NADCO report, which is scheduled for debate next week, was released last year after extensive deliberations by a team led by National Assembly majority leader Kimani Ichung’wah and Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
Last Friday, Ruto urged MPs to pass the bill.
“I am telling MPs on the Housing Bill lets pass it by Tuesday. Many of our youths have no jobs. Some are already on site.”
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Ruto Leverages Government’s Endorsement for Raila’s AUC Bid to Secure Support for Affordable Housing Bill
