They say facts speak for themselves and numbers don't lie.
It appears Housing PS Charles Hinga overlooked those two critical phrases in his quest to explain to skeptical Kenyans facts about the government's ambitious Housing Fund which he termed "the elephant in the room."
On Wednesday during a press conference at State House, Nairobi, the PS broke into sweat and struggled to find the right words to explain how the concept will work, and at some point knocked down a glass of water.
"Mnaona hata vile nimesweat (You can see how I have sweated)," he said. "I'm sorry I'm normally very animated."
"You know, nyinyi hamuelewi hii maneno. This is what I call a sweetheart deal," Hinga added as he wiped sweat off his brow.
Political analyst Mutahi Ngunyi said he personally knows the housing project is a sound idea that the government is trying to bring Kenyans on board but the PS's messaging was wrong.
"My friend PS Hinga, I visited these houses with you and I can confirm that the deal is legit. However, if you use dry statistics to sell them to a cynical public, this is how you sound," Ngunyi said.
The press conference has since been compressed into a short video meme capturing moments when the PS had it rough during the presser.
"And may the gods punish the guy who did this video," Ngunyi said.
The Kenya Kwanza government has fronted the Housing Fund as an affordable housing scheme where Kenyans rent to own houses over a period of between 20 to 30 years.
This will be achieved vide a mandatory monthly contribution of three per cent by salaried Kenyans with the employer making a similar contribution towards the project.
Hinga said those who wish to opt out can do so after seven years, but will only be given their personal contributions.
The employer's contribution will be held in the fund for a further seven years, he said.
Full contribution can, however, be paid back upon retirement or death of contributor, whichever comes first.
Kenyans who watched the press conference were quick to react to Hinga's explanation and said project should not be pushed down their throats.
Some said they already have houses, what they need is good hospitals and schools.
