Good morning,
President William Ruto yesterday vowed to push for the implementation of the National Housing Fund even as a section of leaders and unionists opposed it.
Ruto hit out at leaders opposed to the government’s housing Fund terming them selfish to the interests of the ordinary people.
He urged leaders to support efforts by the government to ensure ordinary Kenyans own decent homes.
The president said it was unfair for those who have mortgages to deny ordinary citizens the opportunity to own homes.
“Those who have mortgages should not sabotage the one for ordinary Kenyans to own houses. Leaders from MPs to MCAs should be mindful of the welfare of ordinary people,” said President Ruto.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga has publicly opposed the Fund terming it a burden to the Kenyan worker.
The project upon completion will have 2,356 units besides creating 5000 employment opportunities.
President Ruto said Housing Fund unlocks great potential for employment and an opportunity for ordinary Kenyans to own decent homes.
Meanwhile, here are news stories making headlines in Opera News today;
KRA confirms Pastor Ezekiel Odero’s church has filed taxes
A Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA ) document has confirmed that televangelist Ezekiel Odero’s New Life Prayer Centre and Church has been filing tax returns, clearing doubt about its compliance with the law.
“This is to confirm that New Life Prayer Centre and Church, personal identification number P051523861H, has filed relevant tax returns and paid taxes due as provided by law. This certificate will be valid for 12 months up to June 28, 2023,” states the tax compliance certificate.
Attorney-General Justin Muturi, through the Registrar of Societies, said on Wednesday that while the organisation met all the conditions at the time of registration, it has failed to file tax returns in recent years.
He spoke during a meeting with the senate ad-hoc committee probing deaths in Shakahola, Kilifi County, of members of a cult led by purported pastor Paul Mackenzie.
Murathe: This is why Ruto is fighting us in Jubilee
Some Jubilee leaders allied to retired President Uhuru Kenyatta are now pointing an accusing finger at President William Ruto for being behind the current party squabbles.
Party vice chair David Murathe claimed Ruto was fuelling the infighting as revenge for being kicked out of the party.
He cited the recent deployment of a contingent of security officers to the party offices after one group led by EALA MP Kanini Kega attempted to storm it.
“Msidanganywe, hii vita sio ya Kioni na Kanini Kega, hii kuna mtu ako na haja sana kwa sababu tulimfukuza yeye kutoka chama ya Jubilee sasa anataka kutuonyesha kwa sababu ako mamlakani anataka kulipiza kisasi…hii ni utoto,” he said.
Ruto to leaders: Don’t betray me now on housing plans
President William Ruto has asked leaders not to twist and criticise his affordable housing plans.
The President on Thursday said his plans for affordable housing have been clear since the campaign period and no one should make it appear like a new concept for purposes of frustrating it.
“I did my campaign with many leaders and these leaders heard me loud and clear when I said there is a plan for housing and it was public,” Ruto said.