Duale Hits Out at Kalonzo for Opposing Housing Levy

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has defended President William Ruto’s affordable housing programme, criticising opposition leader Kalonzo Musyoka for pledging to abolish the housing levy if elected in 2027.

Speaking at a public forum in Laikipia on Sunday, 12 October, Duale accused Kalonzo of attempting to block initiatives aimed at improving access to decent housing for ordinary Kenyans. He said it was unjust for politicians, who benefit from government-funded mortgages, to oppose efforts to support middle-income earners.

“All leaders in our country receive a KSh30 million mortgage to buy a house. Many live in Karen, yet they do not want the president to build houses for ordinary citizens,” he said, describing Kalonzo's remarks as hypocritical.

Duale also emphasised that housing and healthcare are constitutional rights and should not be politicised. He urged the public to support government programmes aimed at enhancing living standards, and to reject divisive political narratives.

“Politicians are telling people to oppose housing and healthcare projects, yet the Constitution guarantees these rights,” he said.

In addition to policy concerns, Duale raised alarm over the tone of political debate in the country. He cautioned that inflammatory rhetoric and ethnic politics could undermine national values and negatively influence younger generations.

“We do not want the country to be driven by tribal politics or insults, because even our children are watching,” he said.

President Ruto has continued to promote unity as a key focus of his administration, holding meetings with leaders from various regions, including Rift Valley, Western, and Mount Kenya.

“I will continue engaging with more leaders in this country, because I believe when we unite, the favour of God will be upon us,” Ruto said during an address on Sunday.

However, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has criticised Ruto’s outreach strategy, claiming it reveals a bias against the Mount Kenya region. He argued that meetings among Kalenjin leaders are portrayed as efforts toward national unity, while similar gatherings in Mount Kenya are labelled as tribalism.

“If Kalenjins meet, it is called unity. When Mt Kenya people come together, it is labelled tribalism. He thinks we are fools,” Gachagua said on Saturday, 11 October.