President William Ruto now says he will ‘do whatever it takes’ to ensure the implementation of the government’s flagship projects which include affordable housing and universal health coverage.
Speaking in Uasin Gishu County, President Ruto questioned the suspension of government projects by the judiciary, suggesting that such actions were aimed at undermining crucial government programs through legal means.
“Let us give ordinary Kenyans a chance and I will do whatever it takes to defend the rights of the people who have no jobs. I will do whatever it takes to ensure those who don’t have health insurance get one. It’s their right,” the President said
President Ruto last week declared his intent to disregard court-issued stay orders and push ahead with critical projects such as Affordable Housing and the Social Health Insurance Act which form part of his legacy.
His stance has elicited strong reactions from the opposition and the Law Society of Kenya, which cautioned against what they perceive as a disregard for the constitution and the risk of veering into dictatorship.
High Court Judges Christine Meoli, Lawrence, and David Majanja on November 28 said that the court had found the housing levy to have violated Article 10, 2 (a) of the constitution.
The levy is part of the Finance Bill 2023 which was passed by parliament on June 22, 2023, and later assented by President William Ruto on June 26.
However, Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah and six others moved to court seeking to stop the implementation of the Finance Act 2023.