- Passaris supported Azimio leader Raila Odinga during his presidential bid.
- Raila has, however, criticised the Housing Fund saying it will be a punishment to Kenyans as they are already grappling with the high cost of living.
Image: PCS
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has lauded Nairobi Woman representative Esther Passaris's stand on Housing Fund.
This is after Passaris on Tuesday said she supports the Housing Fund proposal.
Passaris said the country needs to eliminate slums through Affordable Housing.
"Even in Azimio's manifesto, we contained the need to have decent houses. There is an outcry from a lot of people but without pain, there is no gain. We need to eliminate slums. I support the Housing policy," she said.
Gachagua congratulated her saying it would not be wise to oppose the programme because it will benefit Nairobi residents who live in slums.
"I was very impressed the other day to see Passaris reconciling with the truth that 70 per cent of the people she leads live in the slums and it would not be wise with her as a leader to oppose a programme that is going to remove the people from slums to dignity," he said.
The DP said as Kenyans reconcile with each other, they should also reconcile with truth and reality.
Gachagua spoke during the National Prayer Breakfast at Safari Park Hotel.
Passaris supported Azimio leader Raila Odinga during his presidential bid.
Raila has, however, criticised the Housing Fund saying it will be a punishment to Kenyans as they are already grappling with the high cost of living.
The opposition leader said the proposals are a sharp contrast to the promises made by Ruto during the campaigns.
He asked Azimio MPs to vote against the Finance Bill.
However, President William Ruto maintained that he wants the Finance Bill to pass because it will be beneficial to Kenyans.
The President said he is waiting to see the MPs who will oppose the bill.
"I am waiting for the Members of Parliament who will go and vote against the employment of these young people, against housing that would give these people the chance to own a house with five per cent mortgage," he said.
The Bill proposes, among others, that employees contribute three per cent towards the Housing Fund Levy.
This, Ruto said, is not a tax but a contribution and saving scheme towards the affordable housing project.