Gachagua spreading falsehoods about govt projects – CS Wahome

Lands and Housing Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome has accused former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua of allegedly spreading falsehoods regarding government projects.

While defending initiatives launched or continued by President William Ruto’s administration, Wahome argued that Gachagua’s recent remarks lack foundation and are intended to incite discord among Kenyans.

During an inspection of housing projects in Ukambani, the CS stated that Gachagua was being dishonest, having either launched or participated in the commissioning of some of the projects he now condemns from his time as deputy president.

“Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has forgotten that he was part of the Kenya Kwanza team and that he personally launched some of these government projects, either alone or jointly with President William Ruto. He was our champion. Were his eyes closed at that time?” she remarked.

In response to Gachagua’s claims that the housing projects lack public support, Wahome defended the initiatives, stating that they have significantly benefited the country’s economy and positively impacted lives.

“I want to ask former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to be candid and honest with Kenyans. The housing projects, for instance, are employing 160,000 young people, and the cement industry is reaping benefits from this, among others. This is occurring across the country,” she added.

She further dismissed Gachagua’s allegations that the housing project is a fraudulent venture.

“We assign this work to contractors; where does the President come in? The procurement process is public. For someone at the level of former Deputy President to suggest that my ministry is operating behind the scenes to create illegal contracts, I would ask him to present that claim to the EACC,” she stated.

“I do not agree with Rigathi Gachagua’s assertion that these housing projects will cease when the next government takes over. Governments work in succession. This is not a personal project for Alice Wahome or the President; the programme belongs to Kenyans. Kenyans have invested in it,” she concluded.