Single Mother Rejects 'Shoddy' House Gifted to Her Son by President Kenyatta

A Nakuru woman has refused to occupy a house built for her on President Kenyatta's order.

During a function in Nakuru in 2014, President Kenyatta ordered his officers to build a decent house for Damaris Wambui Kamau after her son, Dennis Ngaruiya entertained him.

Ngaruiya cracked President Kenyatta’s ribs with a thrilling poem during the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) Day celebrations at the Lanet military barracks.

To appreciate Ngaruiya, Kenyatta asked an officer only identified as Mr. Wanjohi to ensure the family had a decent home.

“This is a big joke. Look at this house. It has cracks on the outside and looks like a semi-permanent house while President Kenyatta in his wisdom meant well for us as a family,” says Ms. Kamau who has refused to occupy the house.

“Why is that officer at State House playing tricks on me and my son. One day President Uhuru Kenyatta will know these tricks.”

When contacted by the Daily Nation over the matter, State House Spokesperson Kanze Dena noted that the house was "well-furnished."

“From the information I am gathering, the house was built and it is furnished but the lady claims the house was made of waste papers. I don’t understand what she meant by that,” says Dena.

“What was agreed upon when the family met the President at State House has been delivered. What is missing is cutlery and mattresses which will be procured.”

“Why this family is not living in the house is what I don’t understand. It is only Ms. Kamau who can explain to us why she is not occupying the house."

The house located in Murunyu area in Bahati is connected with electricity and water but is overgrown with bushes.

Ms. Kamau says she had identified a plot of land in a relatively good location in the area but the State House officials rejected her proposal.

She claims that the house she's being asked to move in is old and was previously occupied by another person.

“When they bought this plot they did not involve me. They bought it and called me to occupy the house but I rejected it,” she says.

She currently lives with her family in a rented mud house in Lanet area.

“Mr. President wanted to leave a memorable mark in the life of my son and I don’t think he meant such shoddy work,” She notes.