President Ruto Insists on Housing Levy as Okiya Omtatah Threatens To take him to Court

President William Ruto has revealed that the Finance Bill 2023 was thoroughly thought through before being tabled for approval.

Speaking at a Church Service at Busia Stadium, Busia County, the president emphasized that the housing project was intended not only to provide access to affordable housing but also to create jobs for youth who are currently unemployed.

“In this budget, I am not crazy and I do not drink. I know what I'm saying. I have arranged this budget properly,” he stated.

The President went on to say that the project will require approximately 25,000 youths in Busia to assist in the construction of 5,000 houses.

“I promised the common Kenyans that I will uplift them and we will start from employment. I need 25,000 youths for the housing project including engineers, architects, quantity surveyors, electricians, masons, carpenters and labourers. We must have a plan that will give our youths employment,’ he explained.

Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, however, has opposed the President's move on the housing levy, claiming that Ruto surrounded himself with people who misled him about the proposed Finance Bill 2023.

“You are my friend President Ruto but the constitution is my greater friend and the Finance bill goes against about six laws in the constitution. I am asking you to take another look at the Bill so that if we can, we avoid fighting in court. It is not okay for friends to fight,” Omtatah stated.

The Finance Bill 2023 hearing is still being scrutinized as Wananchi appears before the departmental committee on finance to give their opinion on the bill.