Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has intensified his criticisms of President William Ruto by alleging that the controversial camping site being built in the Sanctuary block of Ngong Forest belongs to the President. Speaking at a church service in Murang’a, Gachagua claimed that Ruto had illegally grabbed land within the forest to profit from the ongoing construction of the Talanta Hela stadium along Ngong Road, suggesting the hotel would serve stadium visitors 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 said. He further accused Ruto of using his influence to halt investigations by calling on the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) to stop construction work when Gachagua started exposing what he described as secretive land deals.
Gachagua warned the President against returning to the forest, vowing to continue exposing his alleged dealings. “That is our work now, I get reports even from people in government because they are also tired,” he added. He also claimed Ruto had grabbed land in other parts of the country including Naivasha, Narok, and Meru, where a hotel and an exclusive road are reportedly being constructed.
The allegations come amid growing public concern over the secretive development in a protected forest area. The Green Belt Movement (GBM) has called for transparency and immediate answers from the KFS, highlighting the environmental risks linked to forest encroachment.
In response, the Kenya Forest Service issued a statement clarifying that the bush eco-camp was approved following a thorough evaluation process that found no major environmental harm. KFS explained that the camp is being built on a glade—a natural clearing with only bushes and grass and no trees removed.
To address public concerns, KFS has suspended all construction activities on the site pending further consultations with stakeholders. The controversy underscores the need for greater transparency and environmental safeguards in developments near protected forests.
