Willis Otieno raises alarm over evictions linked to Affordable Housing Project
Lawyer Willis Otieno has criticised President William Ruto’s Affordable Housing project while revealing how a select group of Kenyans are grappling with eviction to pave the way for the project.
In a statement on his official X account on Monday, November 17, 2025, the lawyer confirmed his discussions with Makongeni residents.
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On his part, the lawyer revealed that the residents expressed fear of facing the threat of eviction from the place they have called home for generations.
“Yesterday, I joined the people of the larger Makongeni Ward, the families of Mbotela and Makongeni who now face the cruel threat of eviction from the very place they have called home for generations,” Willis said.
He went on to add that over 10,000 residents are set to be uprooted in favor of the affordable housing project.
“What is most shameful is that this eviction is being pushed by the same government that should be protecting them. Over 10,000 residents are set to be uprooted in favor of an illegal and unaffordable housing project,” he noted.
In addition, Willis said the residents did not receive clear procedures, valid notices, or honest engagement regarding their eviction.
“No clear procedures, no valid notices, and no honest engagement with the community. Yet these families have lived on this 141-hectare piece of land for decades, building schools, churches, businesses, and social networks that have sustained them and given this community identity and dignity,” he added.
Willis went on adding, “To destroy all this overnight is state-sponsored displacement. The social, economic, and psychological toll on these families will be devastating. You cannot bulldoze people’s lives and call it progress.”
“I stand with the people of Makongeni. I will walk with them, speak for them, and defend their right to justice, dignity, and humanity. Kenya belongs to its citizens, not to government bulldozers,” he added.
Ruto slams critics
His remarks come after President William Ruto strongly defended his government’s Affordable Housing Programme, dismissing those opposing it as people “lacking sense.”
The Head of State, speaking on Monday, October 27, 2025, in Nakuru, stated that his administration will not halt the project despite criticism from a section of leaders and Kenyans who believe it has become a burden to workers.
Ruto questioned why anyone would want the housing initiative stopped when it has created thousands of jobs for young people. “Mnasema tuendelee na kujenga ama tusiendelee? Kuna watu wengine wako na akili kidogo wanasema tusimamishe. Na kabla hawajatuambia tusimamishe watuambie hawa vijana wote watafanya kazi gani tukisimamisha hizi kazi, wako na kazi ingine ya kuwapatia?” Ruto said.
The president maintained that the affordable housing project remains one of his top development priorities. He noted that the programme is not only meant to provide decent homes but also to create employment for thousands of youth across the country. Ruto added that the government will continue to expand the project to different counties to ensure more Kenyans benefit.
