Gachagua: Ruto Took Part Of Ngong Forest Land To Build Hotel
Gachagua attended a church service in Gatanga, Murang'a County, on Sunday, May 18, where he claimed that the controversial campsite is allegedly owned by Ruto
Marvin Chege 
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has linked President William Ruto to a luxury campsite under development within the Sanctuary section of Ngong Road Forest.
Gachagua attended a church service in Gatanga, Murang'a County, on Sunday, May 18, where he claimed that the controversial campsite is allegedly owned by Ruto, who is accused of seizing the land to profit from the upcoming Talanta Hela stadium project along Ngong Road once it is 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 claimed.
President Ruto 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- Rigathi Gachagua pic.twitter.com/vn05Zq0tyB — Viral Tea Ke (@ViralTeaKe) May 18, 2025
He added that once he began exposing the President's hidden dealings, Ruto contacted the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) to stop the construction.
"So, Mr. President, do not attempt to go back to that forest; we will expose you again. That is our work now, I get reports even from people in government because they are also tired," he noted.
"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."
On Friday, May 16, the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), in addressing reports of encroachment on Ngong Forest, clarified that a bush eco-camp is being constructed within the forest, a camp which will comprise tents on semi-permanent infrastructures. This, KFS stated, is an approved development under the Ngong Road Forest Management Plan.
Additionally, all procedures, including public participation, were undertaken before the commencement of construction.
"The Sanctuary block of Ngong Road Forest is currently undergoing significant enhancements, including the installation of an electric fence to bolster its security, enhance natural regeneration, and provide controlled access to the forest block," stated KFS in part.
The service also backed the ongoing construction, stating that the project aims to transform the forest into a top destination for city dwellers and Kenyans seeking green recreational spaces.
According to KFS, this would alleviate the substantial visitor pressure on Karura Forest, which currently receives over 80,000 visitors monthly.
The service, however, expressed its steadfastness in its commitment to safeguarding and sustainably conserving all forest resources, a commitment realised through collaborative partnerships with various stakeholders and forest-adjacent communities.
One of the stakeholders, I&M Foundation, was revealed to be making a significant contribution of approximately Ksh200 million towards the development of the Sanctuary block.
