NAIROBI, Kenya- Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused the French government and its firms of being involved in alleged financial irregularities linked to major infrastructure projects in Kenya, in a sharply worded statement aimed at Emmanuel Macron during his visit to Nairobi.
Speaking in a press briefing, Gachagua claimed that Kenyan taxpayers’ money had been misused in the cancellation and restructuring of a multi-billion-shilling road project involving French companies.
The DCP leader said that approximately Sh7.3bn had been “irregularly diverted” from the Fuel Levy Fund to compensate French firms following the cancellation of the Nairobi–Nakuru–Mau Summit highway contract.
The former deputy president also claimed that the original deal, reportedly valued at KSh159bn, was cancelled by the current administration before works began, paving the way for Chinese contractors to take over the project under revised terms.
He further alleged that the replacement contract was more expensive despite a reduced scope, describing the difference in cost as questionable.
“These are public resources meant for Kenyans, yet they are being used in opaque arrangements that disadvantage citizens,” he said.
Gachagua also suggested that tensions over the project had financial and political dimensions, including claims of negotiated settlements linked to French firms, though he did not provide documentary evidence for the allegations.
He extended his criticism to Kenya’s broader foreign partnerships, questioning a 2025 defence cooperation agreement signed between Kenya and France, which he said had raised concerns among sections of the public.
The former deputy president further linked public dissatisfaction to protests witnessed during French President Macron’s appearance at the University of Nairobi, claiming Kenyans were expressing frustration over governance and economic hardship.
He said rising living costs and unmet social needs had fuelled anger over perceived misuse of public funds.
“The message Kenyans were passing is about their daily struggles, school fees and livelihoods,” he said.
Gachagua also made reference to a separate dispute involving a property in Meru County, alleging that a French national was involved in a financial claim against the county government.
