The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Raila Odinga has rebuffed claims of endorsing President William Ruto’s affordable housing initiative, stressing that neither he nor the Azimio coalition support the programme.
In a statement issued through the party’s official channels on Monday, Raila distanced himself and the entire Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition from Ruto’s housing project, refuting any suggestion of endorsement. This declaration comes on the heels of remarks by Ruto implying that Raila had given his approval to the initiative.
“Party Leader Raila Odinga, the ODM family, and the entire Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition do not endorse the imposition of illegal taxes on Kenyans under the guise of constructing Low-Cost Houses,” stated the opposition party.
Raila further called on the media to report accurately and refrain from sensationalizing matters.
The President, during an interdenominational prayer service in Kakamega County, hailed Raila’s supposed acknowledgment of the housing project as a positive step and urged an end to debates surrounding the contentious housing levy.
In response to Raila’s assertions, Ruto reiterated his commitment to pushing forward with the affordable housing project despite legal hurdles that have temporarily halted the implementation of the 1.5 per cent housing levy imposed on salaried Kenyans.
Ruto contends that the initiative, aimed at constructing 200,000 housing units annually, will generate employment opportunities across various sectors, benefiting youth, engineers, carpenters, masons, manufacturers, architects, and transporters, among others.
