Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has made allegations that Chinese financiers refused to fund the proposed Narok-Kisumu-Malaba railway project due to a demand for a Sh50 billion commission by President William Ruto's administration. According to Gachagua, the project has stalled after the financiers declined to proceed with the arrangement. He accused the President's team of frustrating major infrastructure projects through demands for kickbacks.
The proposed railway project aims to connect Narok to Kisumu and eventually Malaba. Gachagua claimed that Chinese government officials have now refused to fund this project, citing it as a risky political project ahead of the 2027 General Election. He noted that despite ministers blaming the stoppage on the Iran-US conflict, the real reason is the demand for a commission. The project had been expected to boost economic growth and development in the region.
Gachagua also turned his attention to the Rironi-Mau Summit highway project, questioning the rise in its projected cost from Sh150 billion to Sh200 billion. He claimed that the project was initially planned under former President Uhuru Kenyatta's administration, with a French company expected to undertake the works. However, after Ruto took office, he allegedly negotiated a Sh7 billion payout to the French firm to exit the project.
According to Gachagua, the Sh7 billion payout was split between Ruto and the French company, with each receiving Sh3.5 billion. He further alleged that the project was handed to Chinese contractors, including China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) and Shandong, at an inflated cost. The former Deputy President also accused the government of unlawfully directing Sh30 billion from the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) towards the highway project.
Gachagua raised questions over the use of workers' pension contributions and warned contractors and NSSF trustees involved in the alleged transactions that they would be held accountable if he returned to government. He stated that he is putting CRBC, Shandong, and NSSF trustees on notice that they will face the law and be forced to return the stolen pension funds. The allegations have sparked concerns over the management of public funds and infrastructure projects.
The construction of the Rironi-Mau Summit highway continues to face delays, with the government revising timelines for opening sections of the road. Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir attributed the setbacks to disruptions in the supply of bitumen, citing geopolitical tensions and challenges in international supply chains. The government is exploring bulk procurement options to address the supply constraints and reduce costs.
Gachagua also cautioned the Orange Democratic Movement against entering into a political arrangement with Ruto ahead of the 2027 General Election, accusing the President of using political negotiations to secure support without honouring commitments. He urged ODM leaders to approach any negotiations with the President cautiously, arguing that the party risked being used to advance Ruto's political interests.
Key points
- Gachagua alleges that Chinese financiers refused to fund the Narok-Kisumu-Malaba railway project due to a demand for a Sh50 billion commission.
- The former Deputy President accuses Ruto's administration of frustrating major infrastructure projects through demands for kickbacks.
- The Rironi-Mau Summit highway project has faced delays and cost increases, with Gachagua alleging inflated costs and misuse of public funds.
