Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Ruto’s administration of mishandling public funds through the controversial payout linked to the cancelled Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit road project. Gachagua claimed that the reaction witnessed during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to the University of Nairobi reflected growing public frustration over the matter.
Highlights
- Gachagua linked the UoN crowd reaction to frustrations over a Ksh7 billion payout.
- The funds were reportedly paid to French firms after cancellation of a road contract.
- He claimed the money came from the fuel levy fund.
- The former DP criticised the government’s handling of the project.
- The Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit project was later handed to CRBC.
Main Story
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has weighed in on the controversy surrounding the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit road project, alleging that public anger over the project influenced the atmosphere witnessed during French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent visit to the University of Nairobi.
Speaking during a press briefing on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, Gachagua claimed that Kenyans used the moment at Taifa Hall to express dissatisfaction over the reported payment of Ksh7 billion to French companies connected to the cancelled road tender.
According to the former deputy president, the compensation allegedly came from the fuel levy fund, money ordinarily reserved for road maintenance and infrastructure development across the country.
Questions Over Road Project Compensation
The Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit highway project had initially been awarded under a deal reportedly valued at Ksh159 billion before the government later cancelled the arrangement and reassigned the project to China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC).
Gachagua argued that many Kenyans are struggling economically and questioned the decision to approve such compensation at a time when families are facing hardship.
He further claimed that frustrations among citizens stem from concerns about the use of taxpayers’ money amid the rising cost of living and other economic pressures affecting households.
Message Directed at the President
During the address, Gachagua insisted that the reactions witnessed during Macron’s appearance were not rooted in hostility towards the French leader, but rather an attempt by Kenyans to communicate their dissatisfaction to President William Ruto.
He stated that many citizens feel ignored despite ongoing economic challenges, including unemployment, school fee struggles, and the high cost of basic commodities.
The government is yet to officially respond to the latest remarks by the former deputy president regarding the compensation claims.
As political tensions continue to rise, the debate around public spending and accountability remains one of the issues many Kenyans are closely watching.
