He described the development as a monument to policy failure, arguing that residents of Nandi are not interested in leaving their farms to live as hermits in high-rise apartments.
Omtatah emphasized that the serenity of Nandi, known as the land of champions, cannot be exchanged for concrete structures that remain largely empty.
His remarks came after reports revealed that housing units built in Emgwen, Nandi County, are still 99 percent unoccupied four months after completion.
According to local accounts, only one unit is occupied by marathon athlete Sebastian Sawe, who received it as a special award.
The project forms part of the national affordable housing initiative under President William Ruto's administration.
However, the low occupancy rate has raised questions about its suitability for the local population and the overall planning of such developments in rural areas.
Critics like Omtatah argue that the units fail to match the lifestyle and economic realities of Nandi residents, who prefer their traditional land-based living.
The situation has sparked wider debate on whether the housing program truly addresses the needs of ordinary citizens across different regions.
As public attention grows, the government faces pressure to explain the slow uptake and consider necessary adjustments.
Omtatah's reaction highlights ongoing challenges in implementing large-scale housing projects and could influence future policy reviews.
Many observers now question the effectiveness of the initiative in counties outside major urban centers.
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