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In PS Hinga's universe, demolishing is part of the building process

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Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

I must confess upfront that I don't take seriously any word that emanates from the mouth of Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga. He speaks incessantly, usually out of turn, gesticulating wildly when words fail him, working himself into a frenzy so that he foams at the mouth and sweat drips off his broad, well-fed face.

I'd have called him a caricature of incoherence, were it not for the tragic consequences of his words, the most recent being the intended demolition of the old neighbourhoods of Nairobi's Eastlands. He claims he intends to put up "affordable" houses to accommodate more Kenyans, perhaps more deserving than the junior civil servants who have made a home there.

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