President William Ruto is currently facing sharp criticism from a section of Kenyans who accuse him of doublespeak regarding the development issue in Eastleigh and Nairobi County.
Through his X handle, Gabriel Ogunda, a Nation Media columnist, shared two screenshots where the Head of State appears to contradict himself on the issue of high-rise apartments in Eastleigh and the surrounding areas.
In one screenshot, Ogunda shared Ruto’s apparent approval of high-rise apartment construction, while in the other, Ruto seemed to warn contractors against it.
Blogger Gabriel Ogunda
“Daktari, William Ruto. You need a mental checkup. We might be cheering you on, kumbe hauko sawa. Treat this as urgent,” Ogunda wrote on X.
In a speech on 6 May, Ruto stated, “Since I am the Commander in Chief, I have said that in Eastleigh, you couldn’t build a house beyond 12 floors but now we can build storey buildings of up to 30 floors so that citizens can get accommodation and live in a harmonious neighbourhood.”
He continued, “Before Friday, we are going to advertise for the construction of 20,000 housing units from Kibra, here in Kiamaiko, all the way to Mwiki so that we can begin the process of making these slum dwellers homeowners in Kenya.”
Ruto’s directive on 6 May lent support to Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja’s March proposal to review the floor limit for residential buildings within Nairobi County to 75 floors.
However, in a contradictory stance, speaking today, 8 June, during the Kenya Air Force 60th Anniversary celebrations at Moi Airbase, Ruto warned against high-rise construction in Eastleigh.
Pres William Ruto alongside other dignitaries attending an event at Moi Airbase in Eastleigh
Also, He said he would engage the leadership of the County Government of Nairobi to ensure the Air Base does not lose its position.
“Let me also commit that in discussions with the County of Nairobi, we will make sure that this facility does not lose its premier position,” the President said.
He went on to say that he will also ensure the county enforces the set rules on buildings constructed beyond the legal height limits.
Ruto insisted that developers must adhere to the agreed heights with the Kenya Air Force and the KDF.
“All buildings that have been built beyond the heights that are provided for in law, we will work with Nairobi City County to make sure that all developers keep to the standards that we have agreed with the Kenya Air Force and Kenya Defence Forces,” Ruto said.
