Eldoret-based human rights activist Kipkorir Ngetich has launched a strong criticism of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over his remarks on Chinese contractors undertaking the Rironi–Mau Summit road project, accusing him of politicising major national infrastructure projects and creating unnecessary anxiety among Kenyans.

Ngetich, speaking on behalf of the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy, said the organisation strongly condemns what he termed as misleading statements suggesting that Chinese road engineers and contractors are preparing to leave Kenya due to a lack of funds.

The activist dismissed the allegations as political propaganda and a calculated attempt to undermine public confidence in the government's infrastructure development agenda, insisting that major national projects should not be turned into political battlegrounds.

He argued that the Kenyan government entered into a legally executed agreement with the Chinese company undertaking the road project, maintaining that the contractual relationship between the two parties should be respected and allowed to proceed without unnecessary political interference.

According to Ngetich, the government and the Chinese contractors have an established working relationship, and any concerns regarding the project's financing, implementation or contractual obligations should be addressed through the appropriate official channels.

He questioned the basis upon which Gachagua was making claims about the operational and financial arrangements between the Kenyan government and the Chinese contractors, arguing that politicians who were not directly involved in negotiating or executing the agreements should exercise caution before making sweeping public allegations.

Ngetich maintained that international investment agreements are governed by established contractual procedures and professional obligations, warning that careless political statements could create uncertainty among investors and potentially damage relationships that have taken years to establish.

He challenged Gachagua and other opposition leaders to distinguish between legitimate political oversight and what he described as unnecessary political attacks on development initiatives.

The activist further defended the contribution of Chinese companies to Kenya's infrastructure development, noting that several major road projects undertaken during previous administrations involved Chinese contractors.

He cited the Thika Superhighway, constructed during the late President Mwai Kibaki's administration, and the Nairobi Expressway, developed during former President Uhuru Kenyatta's administration, as examples of major infrastructure projects involving Chinese companies.

Ngetich questioned why Chinese contractors were not subjected to similar political criticism during the previous administrations, arguing that infrastructure development should be evaluated based on its economic and social benefits rather than the political administration overseeing its implementation.

He said Kenya's relationship with Chinese construction companies has played an important role in expanding the country's road network, improving connectivity and supporting economic activities across different regions.

The human rights activist also praised the engineering capacity and modern construction technology associated with Chinese contractors, saying their experience in large-scale infrastructure development could help accelerate the delivery of major road projects.

He expressed optimism that ongoing road construction works could make significant progress towards completion before the 2027 General Election, provided the government and contractors maintain their commitments and address any implementation challenges.

Ngetich said improved road infrastructure would reduce travel time, ease transportation costs, improve access to markets and create opportunities for businesses, farmers and other economic players.

He maintained that the Rironi–Mau Summit road project is an important infrastructure undertaking whose benefits extend beyond political interests, particularly given its significance to transport, trade and connectivity within the country.

"The country needs development, not unnecessary political controversies surrounding projects that are meant to improve the lives of ordinary Kenyans. We must learn to differentiate political competition from matters of national prosperity," Ngetich said.

He accused Gachagua and sections of the opposition of concentrating their efforts on discrediting government development initiatives instead of offering constructive alternatives that would help address the country's infrastructure challenges.

Ngetich argued that opposition leaders have a constitutional responsibility to hold the government accountable, but insisted that such oversight should be based on evidence, facts and responsible public engagement.

He said Kenyans deserve accurate information concerning the progress of major infrastructure projects, including their financing arrangements, implementation timelines and the responsibilities of companies contracted to undertake the works.

However, he maintained that political leaders should avoid presenting unverified claims as established facts, particularly when discussing agreements involving international companies and government institutions.

Raises Concerns Over Chinese Investors' Security

Ngetich also raised concerns over what he alleged were attempts to create hostility towards Chinese nationals and businesspeople operating in Kenya.

He claimed that Gachagua had been making inquiries into businesses operated by Chinese citizens in the country, alleging that such activities could contribute to suspicion and hostility towards foreign investors.

The activist warned that political disagreements should not be allowed to translate into hostility against foreign nationals conducting legitimate business in Kenya.

He called on the national government and relevant security agencies to ensure that genuine foreign investors, including Chinese businesspeople, are protected from intimidation, harassment and discrimination.

According to Ngetich, Kenya must remain an attractive destination for international investors by providing a stable business environment, protecting legitimate investments and respecting the rule of law.

He observed that foreign companies contribute to the country's economy through infrastructure development, employment opportunities, technology transfer, business partnerships and the creation of opportunities for local enterprises.

He cautioned that statements capable of portraying foreign investors as unwanted could undermine confidence in Kenya's investment environment and discourage companies considering establishing or expanding their operations in the country.

Ngetich further argued that multinational companies build their reputations over many years and operate under professional standards that require governments and business partners to respect contractual agreements.

He said it would be inappropriate for politicians to make public pronouncements about the confidential financial and operational arrangements between a government and an international contractor without having verified information.

The activist insisted that any concerns about the conduct of foreign companies should be investigated through established legal and regulatory institutions rather than through political statements that could unnecessarily alarm the public.

Calls for Politics to Be Separated From Development

The Centre for Human Rights and Democracy official warned that excessive politicisation of national development projects could slow down the country's progress and weaken public confidence in important government initiatives.

He argued that Kenya's development should remain a shared national responsibility regardless of political affiliations, adding that projects initiated by one administration often continue to benefit citizens long after political leaders leave office.

Ngetich cited the Thika Superhighway and Nairobi Expressway as examples of infrastructure projects whose significance goes beyond the administrations under which they were developed.

He challenged political leaders to support initiatives that benefit the country while raising genuine concerns through the appropriate institutions whenever questions arise over public expenditure, accountability or project implementation.

He further called on Gachagua and other opposition figures to avoid statements that could undermine relationships between Kenya and its international development partners.

"Leadership should be about putting the interests of the people first. Anyone raising questions about development projects must be ready to provide facts and offer solutions rather than creating unnecessary political tension," he said.

Ngetich also warned that politicians who engage in what he described as destructive political campaigns against national development initiatives risk undermining opportunities that could benefit millions of Kenyans.

He maintained that the country cannot afford to allow political disagreements to interfere with infrastructure programmes that are intended to strengthen the economy and improve the living standards of citizens.

The activist called for greater protection of foreign investments and urged the government to communicate clearly about the progress of major projects to prevent misinformation and unnecessary public speculation.

He concluded by urging Gachagua and other opposition leaders to keep national development projects separate from partisan political contests, insisting that Kenya's infrastructure agenda should be guided by public interest, transparency and accountability.

His remarks add to the growing political debate surrounding the financing, implementation and future of major road infrastructure projects, with the Rironi–Mau Summit road project emerging as a subject of competing political claims.

While Ngetich has dismissed Gachagua's remarks as propaganda, questions surrounding the project's financing, contractual arrangements and implementation progress remain matters that can be addressed through official government communication and verifiable project information.

The activist's statement represents the position of the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy, while the allegations he raised concerning Gachagua's intentions and activities targeting Chinese businesses have not been independently verified.