Duale tells off critics opposing affordable housing project

The CS said elected leaders who are opposing the plan are dishonest and selfish.

In Summary
  • Duale urged President Ruto to remain unshaken and one day he will be remembered for the good.
  • The proposed Finance Bill, 2023 has triggered a storm in the country with hundreds of petitions being sent to Parliament to oppose it.
Defence CS Aden Duale
Defence CS Aden Duale
Image: Handout

Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has told off critics who are against the proposed Finance Bill, 2023.

Specifically on the Housing Plan, the CS said that elected leaders who are opposing the plan are dishonest and selfish.

Duale revealed that all leaders in the National Assembly and Senate get Sh30 million as a mortgage, even the CS.

"We have to tell Kenyans the truth. All MPs receive Sh30 million as a mortgage. Why are they now opposing the affordable housing project?"  he posed.

"Why are you opposing when you are taking money from the government to get houses, yet you don't want the same for the common wananchi? There is a lot of dishonesty and deceit in the issue of housing levy." 

The former Garissa Township MP commended South Mugirango MP Silvanus Osoro for championing the Finance Bill.

"On the matters of the Finance Bill, I'm happy that the National Assembly Majority Whip Osoro has spoken like a true leader. Today you have spoken like a leader of the ruling government," Duale said.

Duale urged President Ruto to remain unshaken and one day he will be remembered for the good.

"Every leader will be remembered. You have been given a chance to lead 50 million Kenyans and to decide for them in terms of road networks, health access, shelter," he said.

"Your excellency don't blink, one day Kenyans will remember you for having removed them from slums where they lack even basic needs."

The proposed Finance Bill, 2023 has triggered a storm in the country with hundreds of petitions being sent to Parliament to oppose it.

Among institutions that have opposed it include the Law Society of Kenya, Kenya Association of Manufacturers, Federation of Kenya Employers, Civil Servants’ unions, Kenya Private Sector Alliance, and Institute of Economic Affairs.

The proposed law, among others, increases the National Hospital Insurance Fund and National Social Security Fund contribution, especially for high earners.

Ruto described his proposed tax laws as the panacea to the country's youth unemployment and went to great lengths to explain why ordinary Kenyans stand to benefit.

The controversial proposals have triggered political heat with the opposition promising a protracted political battle with the state if Kenya Kwanza marshals its troops in Parliament to push through the laws.

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