Kenya, May 19 -- Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has been openly criticising President William Ruto. He has linked Ruto to a fancy camping site that is being built in Ngong Road Forest.
During a church service in Murang'a, Gachagua claimed that the camping site belongs to Ruto, and he took the land to make money from the construction of the Talanta Hela stadium nearby.
Gachagua said, "The president wants to take 5 acres in Ngong Forest to build a hotel. The contractor for the Talanta Hela stadium will also work on this hotel."
He mentioned that when he started exposing Ruto's dealings, Ruto contacted the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) to stop the construction.
Gachagua warned, "Mr. President, do not try to come back to that forest. We will reveal your actions again. People from the government are also tired and share information with me."
He accused Ruto of grabbing land in different areas, including Naivasha and Narok, and building a hotel in Meru, stating that the only road being built leads to the hotel.
This comes as people are worried about the quiet construction of the camping site. The Green Belt Movement (GBM) has called for answers from KFS, highlighting the risks of disturbing protected forests.
In response, KFS said that the camping site is a bush eco-camp that was built after following proper procedures.
They stated, "The project was approved following a good process, and no serious environmental problems were found."
KFS also explained that the camping site is located in a glade, which is an open area in the forest with bushes and grass, where no trees have been cut down.
They have stopped activities on that land until more discussions can happen with the community.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.