President William Ruto expressed his desire to continue with the Affordable Housing Programme despite opposition and obstacles that come along the way.
While speaking in Meru County minutes after the Court of Appeal upheld the ruling of the High Court which declared the levy deductions as unconstitutional, Ruto noted that he would listen to the voice of Kenyans to continue the programme.
The head of state, who likened the voice of Kenyans to that of God, stated that he would appeal the case. He, however, did not clarify whether he would contest the ruling or await the outcome of the case which was already sub-judice.
Nonetheless, he emphasised that the housing programme was important and had created job opportunities for Kenyans.
Also, the head of state deviated from his past criticism of the Judiciary which he accused of graft and sabotaging his deals. The President met the Chief Justice and the head of the Judiciary, Martha Koome and National Assembly speaker Moses Wetangula on Monday and ended the squabble which had attracted nationwide attention.
"I have heard what the people in the opposition are saying and they are opposed to the housing programme. I asked them what is the alternative and they said Maandamano.
"Do you want the housing programme to continue? Aren't you the ones who have a say here? Isn't your voice the voice of God? Now I have the command to continue with this programme," he stated.
Ruto's housing plan suffered a blow on Friday after the Appellant Court declined to grant the government its request to continue deducting 1.5% from their salaries.
The government wanted to be allowed to continue with the deductions even as Parliament moved to draft laws for the programme.
"This is because if the stay sought is granted at this stage, should the appellate Court affirm the impugned decision, then some far-reaching decisions that will have been undertaken pursuant to the impugned laws may not be reversible.
"Public interest in our view tilts in favour of not granting the stay or the suspension sought. Public interest tilts in favour awaiting the determination of the issues raised in the intended appeals," the Court ruled.
Public participation in the Affordable Housing Bill is still ongoing in various parts of the country.
