Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has escalated his attacks on President William Ruto, now linking him to a luxury camping facility allegedly being built within the Sanctuary block of Ngong Road Forest.
While speaking during a church service in Murang’a, Gachagua claimed that the contentious eco-camp belongs to Ruto and that he acquired the land to profit from its proximity to the soon-to-be-completed Talanta Hela stadium along Ngong Road.
“The president is the one who wants to take 5 acres in Ngong Forest so that he can construct a hotel. The construction will be done by the contractor building the Talanta Hela stadium so that it serves the stadium,” Gachagua alleged.
He further claimed that after he began raising questions about the President’s “secretive deals,” Ruto allegedly intervened to pause construction through the Kenya Forest Service (KFS).
“So Mr. President do not attempt to go back to that forest, we will expose you again. That is our work now, I get reports even from people in government because they are also tired,” he said.
Gachagua also accused the President of acquiring land in several regions across the country for personal gain. “He has grabbed land in Naivasha, Narok, this forest, he has constructed a hotel in Meru, and the only road being constructed there is heading to the hotel,” he added.
The allegations come amid public concern over the construction activity in the forest. The Green Belt Movement (GBM) has demanded transparency from KFS, warning about the environmental risks posed by developments in protected areas.
In response, KFS defended the project, stating that the eco-camp was approved through proper channels.
“The project to develop a bush eco–camp was approved procedurally, having been assessed, and no extreme negative environmental impacts were identified,” KFS said in an official statement.
They further clarified that the camp is being built on a glade – a naturally open area within the forest that contains no trees, only bushes and grass – and assured that no trees had been felled to make way for the construction.
