Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo has waded into the escalating war of words between President William Ruto and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna over the Affordable Housing Programme, offering a mix of humour, cultural reflection, and political messaging.
The dispute, which has dominated recent political discourse, was sparked by Sifuna’s criticism of high-rise housing units under the government’s flagship project.
The Nairobi senator questioned the practicality of vertical living for some communities, citing cultural practices such as poultry keeping.
President Ruto responded sharply, defending the programme as a necessary intervention to address Kenya’s housing deficit and rapid urbanisation.
He dismissed critics as out of touch with modern development realities, insisting that high-density housing is the future of urban planning.
Madzayo, however, struck a different tone, appearing to back Sifuna while urging a more inclusive approach to the debate.
“Mheheshmiwa Sifuna ni kiongozi mkakamavu sana. Sasa vile hatuwezi tenganisha Mluhya na kuku, Waluhya ni ndugu zangu na ni vyema tutembee pamoja,” Madzayo said.
In a remark that has since sparked reactions online, the Kilifi senator added: “Technologia imepiga hatua, tutatafuta mbinu ile inaweza fikisha kuku 12th floor ndio game iwe draw. Ama namna gani?”
While delivered humorously, his comments underscore a deeper argument about aligning government policy with lived realities.
By invoking both cultural identity and technological advancement, Madzayo reframed the debate as one that should not be reduced to political confrontation but instead focus on practical solutions.
The intervention highlights growing scrutiny of the Affordable Housing Programme, particularly from opposition leaders who argue that the model must account for affordability, social habits, and community structures.
At the same time, the government continues to position the initiative as a cornerstone of its economic agenda, linking it to job creation and improved living standards.
Ruto has repeatedly emphasised that expanding access to decent housing remains central to his administration’s long-term development plan.