Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has intensified his criticism of President William Ruto, alleging the President is linked to a luxury camping site being built at the Sanctuary block within Ngong Road Forest.
Speaking during a church service in Murang’a, Gachagua claimed that the disputed campsite is owned by Ruto, accusing him of seizing the land to benefit from the construction of the Talanta Hela stadium along Ngong Road once completed.
“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 stated that after he began exposing the President’s alleged secret dealings, Ruto directed the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) to halt the construction.
“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 remarked.
These allegations come as public concerns grow over the covert construction of the facility. The Green Belt Movement (GBM) has demanded explanations from KFS, emphasizing the risks associated with encroaching on protected forests.
In response, KFS stated that the eco-camp project had undergone a thorough approval process.
“The project to develop a bush eco–camp was approved procedurally, having been assessed, and no extreme negative environmental impacts were identified,” KFS noted in a statement.
KFS clarified that the camp is being built on a glade, a natural clearing within the forest without trees, and that no trees have been cut. They also announced a suspension of activities on the site pending further discussions with stakeholders.