• I have not called for the Housing Levy and Housing Programme to be abandoned. I have said, please suspend it until you get the buy in of the people of Kenya.
• Historically, any time a government imposes it’s wishes and programmes on the majority of the people, the people have always rejected that government.
To those who have written to me citing the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, sections of which I helped draft. This debate is not about the Constitution.
Nor is it about social justice. I’m sure that we can agree that no Kenyan has championed for constitutionalism and justice than Miguna Miguna.
Similarly, no Kenyan has suffered due to abuse of power and violations of the Constitution and basic human rights than yours truly.
However, we must remember that during Moi’s reign (between 1982 and 1992), detention without trial was in the Constitution.
Did that make detention without trial right? No. I’m for the housing levy - 100 per cent. I have said that before. However, we must implement it in a manner that is widely acceptable to Kenyans.
After all, the government - any government - must reflect and represent the wishes, aspirations and needs of the people.
We must have thorough public participation and include critical input from informed citizens, especially from developed countries with functional public housing programs.
Historically, any time a government imposes it’s wishes and programs on the majority of the people (Jomo Kenyatta from 1966-1978; Moi from 1982 to 1992; Kibaki from 2001 to 2008; and Uhuru Kenyatta from 2017 to 2022), the people have always rejected that government and the programmes it sought to impose.
I have not called for the Housing Levy and Housing Programme to be abandoned. I have said, please suspend it until you get the buy in of the people of Kenya.
It’s not too much to ask for. After all, wasn’t this Kenya Kwanza government elected by the people of Kenya less than one year ago?
Those with ears will hear. Those with eyes will see. Those with memory will remember. Those conscious of the public interest will adhere to this call.