Mandago Fires Back at Sifuna Over Affordable Housing, Tells Him to 'Tafuta Ngazi'

 Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago has hit back at Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna over his criticism of the government's Affordable Housing Programme, delivering a sharp political jab during a church service attended by President William Ruto in Moiben.

Addressing congregants and leaders at the event, Mandago dismissed Sifuna's remarks on the housing initiative and mocked the Nairobi senator with a humorous analogy that drew laughter from the audience.

"Sifuna atafute ngazi aweke kwa hiyo dirisha ya 12th floor kuku ipandie juu," Mandago said, suggesting that Sifuna should appreciate the realities of modern high-rise living under the Affordable Housing Programme.

The remarks came amid growing political exchanges over the government's flagship housing project, which has become one of the most debated development initiatives in the country.

Mandago strongly defended the programme, saying it is changing the lives of thousands of Kenyans by increasing access to decent and affordable homes while simultaneously creating jobs across the construction sector and related industries.

According to the senator, the housing initiative is not only addressing the country's housing deficit but is also stimulating economic growth by providing employment opportunities for youth, contractors, artisans and suppliers.

He urged leaders to support development programmes that directly benefit wananchi instead of politicising projects aimed at improving livelihoods.

The exchange highlights the widening political divide over the Affordable Housing Programme, with supporters describing it as a transformative investment in urban development and employment, while critics continue to question its implementation, financing and overall impact.

President William Ruto, who attended the church service alongside several Kenya Kwanza leaders, has consistently defended the Affordable Housing Programme as one of his administration's flagship projects, arguing that it will provide decent homes for low- and middle-income earners while boosting economic growth through job creation.

Mandago's remarks are expected to fuel further political debate as leaders continue to clash over the government's key development agenda ahead of the 2027 General Election.