Win for Ruto as MPs pass Affordable Housing Bill

Members of the National Assembly passed the Affordable Housing Bill on Wednesday with amendments by a simple majority.

Following the passing of the Third Reading, the Affordable Housing Bill is now slated for consideration by the Senate for concurrence.

The bill has been forwarded to the Senate since some components of the proposed amendments are attached to the county governments.

It was tabled afresh with amendments for a second time in Parliament following an initial court order rejecting and terming it unconstitutional.

The battle between MPs allied to Kenya Kwanza and opposition coalition Azimio could again be headed to the courts after a bitter disagreement in Parliament.

A section of Azimio lawmakers, led by National Assembly Minority Whip Junet Mohammed staged a walkout protest during the proceedings of the Affordable Housing Bill 2023 amendment stage, claiming discrimination.

"Azimio filed several amendments, some yesterday and some today morning. Unfortunately, it looks like there are some instructions from the Kenya Kwanza regime that this bill be passed without amendment," Mohamed said.

"So we decided to walk out of the chamber because we don't want to participate in a rubber-stamping exercise or an illegitimate process," he added.

The opposition lawmakers vehemently accused MPs allied with President William Ruto of employing what they claimed as strong-arm tactics to ensure the proposed law passes every stage of amendment in Parliament, thereby curtailing the freedom of MPs to critique the bill.

"Yesterday (Tuesday) some MPs told me they were coerced and intimidated, directed to vote for the bill or else development projects will be halted," Junet claimed.

"What kind of strong-arm tactic is that? MPs must always vote with their conscience and in accordance with their party position, not be intimidated and threatened," he added.

Rarieda MP Otiende Amollo said that Kenya Kwanza Alliance's deliberate attempts to block critical amendments to the bill have provided a legal basis for petitioners to challenge the housing levy fund.

"The Bill is unclear on everything, including ownership," Amollo said.

Nominated MP John Mbadi criticized President Ruto's administration for burdening Kenyans with taxes despite failing to address the harsh economic situation.

"Walking out is the right thing, let's meet in courts," Mbadi retorted.

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Kitui Central MP Makali Mulu questioned the speed nature of Kenya Kwanza MPs in fast-tracking the housing bill, which has failed to address issues surrounding the conversion of public land to private land, an emotive issue in the country.

"We, as Azimio, are planning on how we will move to the courts to challenge this thing because it doesn't make sense. It's not helping Kenyans, just a few tenderpreneurs," Mulu said.