Gachagua Warns Kenyans Buying Affordable Houses, Vows to Scrap Housing Levy if Elected

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Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has issued a stern warning to Kenyans currently buying affordable houses under the Kenya Kwanza government’s housing program.

Speaking during a media interview, Gachagua criticized the controversial housing levy, saying it was being unfairly deducted from workers’ salaries without their consent.

He claimed that the ongoing housing projects across the country are being financed through “forceful taxation” on civil servants and other salaried workers, most of whom, he said, have no clear understanding of how they stand to benefit from the scheme.

According to Gachagua, the entire program is shrouded in secrecy and lacks transparency on allocation criteria, ownership rights, and refund mechanisms.

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Gachagua, who has been positioning himself as a key opposition voice ahead of the 2027 general election, said his first mission upon becoming President will be to overhaul the entire housing scheme.

He promised to hand over all affordable housing units to county governments, arguing that devolved management will ensure accountability and equitable access for all Kenyans.

“The money being used to build these houses is from the sweat of Kenyan workers. It’s only fair that the same workers are allowed to decide how their money should be used,” Gachagua stated.

He further warned Kenyans purchasing the affordable houses to be cautious, noting that once he takes power, those who would have already paid for the units might have to wait for several years for refunds as the system will undergo restructuring.

His remarks come amid growing public dissatisfaction over the housing levy, which many civil servants and private sector employees have termed punitive and unconstitutional. Gachagua’s statement is likely to spark fresh political debate on the future of the government’s flagship affordable housing agenda.