Editor's Review

Azimio MPs always rush to line up for the Sh 35 million mortgage, but are now opposing when the plan is extended to Kenyans - Aaron Cheruiyot.

The politics around the Housing Fund dominated speeches during a thanksgiving service in Narok County.

Led by President William Ruto, Kenya Kwanza leaders and other high ranking state operatives congregated at the home of Environment CS Soipan Tuya who was holding a homecoming ceremony on Sunday, June 4.

In their respective speeches, the leaders drummed support for the Finance Bill 2023 which has faced opposition from several quarters.

Kericho senator Aaron Cheruiyot took on his counterparts from Azimio who are on record poking holes on some provisions of the bill.

Senator Aaron Cheruiyot.

Cheruiyot wondered why the leaders are opposed to ordinary Kenyans owning houses yet themselves are entitled to mortgages.

He challenged them to forego their mortgages to prove their objection to the Housing Fund.

Cheruiyot revealed that legislators have Sh 35 million assigned to each of them as mortgage.

"We want to challenge our colleagues from Azimio, if indeed you don't believe in the housing agenda, return the mortgages you have taken. Let's stop this hypocrisy," he said.

The senator who doubles up as the Senate Majority Leader assured Kenyans that the bill that is yet to be table in parliament is aimed at uplifting them.

It is stipulated that salaries Kenyans would be required to remit 3% of their monthly basic pay to create a pool of funds that would be used to put up affordable houses for non-housed Kenyans.

The opposition has swore not to allow the bill pass.

Busia senator Okiyah Omtatah has also filed a case challenging the bill.