Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged the government to re-examine its priorities in Kajiado County, arguing that residents are in greater need of clean water and sewerage systems than additional housing projects.
Speaking on Sunday during a church service in Ongata Rongai, Gachagua said areas such as Ongata Rongai, Kiserian, Ngong and Matasia are already adequately supplied with houses but continue to suffer from persistent water shortages and inadequate sanitation infrastructure.
“I want to ask the government to listen to the people of Ongata Rongai, Kiserian, Ngong up to Matasia. There are enough houses here and the challenge is water and sewerage. Instead of houses, provide them with water and the sewerage system,” Gachagua said.
He stressed that while the affordable housing programme remains a central pillar of President William Ruto’s administration, development investments should be guided by the most pressing needs of local communities. For residents of Kajiado, he said, water scarcity and poor sewerage systems pose serious health and environmental risks.
The former DP further cautioned prospective investors against committing money to the affordable housing projects in the county, claiming they could lose their investments if political leadership changes in 2027. According to him, if the current projects are tied to disputed land ownership, they may not survive beyond the current government’s term.
“They are commercial houses and we want to be very fair and kind to the unsuspecting investor who has been told to buy those houses in advance. Msipoteze pesa yenu. We are going for elections and there will be a new government and if the land is forcefully taken from the church we will return it and you will have lost your money. The title of this property is under PCEA,” he said.
Residents of Ongata Rongai and neighbouring areas have long decried unreliable water supply and lack of sewerage facilities, which they say undermine quality of life despite the rapid growth of housing developments. Gachagua’s remarks underscore the growing tension between the government’s housing agenda and community demands for essential services.
