Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has stirred controversy with explosive claims about the misuse of National Social Security Fund (NSSF) resources, accusing key figures of corruption and mismanagement.

Speaking at a public gathering in Mazeras on Saturday, June 7, 2025, Gachagua said that the NSSF funds, meant for workers’ retirement, are being diverted to infrastructure projects and questionable deals, including a 99-year lease of Bomas of Kenya to an Indian investor.

Gachagua did not hold back in his criticism of what he described as blatant misuse of public funds. He claimed that President William Ruto has been siphoning NSSF money for personal gain.

“NSSF hiyo pesa Kasongo amepanga, ametoa hiyo pesa kinyume na sheria,” Gachagua said, his voice ringing with indignation.

Translated, he meant: “That NSSF money, Kasongo has planned it, he has taken that money illegally.”

He went on to say that the funds are being used to bankroll the construction of the Mau Summit-Rironi highway, a major infrastructure project set to begin in June and expected to be completed by June 2027.

“Ametoa hiyo pesa ati kujenga barabara ya Mau Summit, kutoka Rironi,” he said.

Meaning: “He has taken that money supposedly to build the Mau Summit road, from Rironi.”

Gachagua argued that NSSF contributions are intended for investments that secure workers’ retirement, not for funding infrastructure.

“Pesa ya NSSF hapana kufanya infrastructure, hiyo ni pesa ya kufanya investment ndio hao watu uzeeni wapate mapato yao,” he added.

Translating to: “NSSF money is not for infrastructure; it’s for investments so that retirees can get their returns.”

Bomas lease sparks outrage

The former deputy president also turned his attention to Bomas of Kenya, a cultural and conferencing hub, claiming it was initially leased to a Turkish investor before public outcry led to the deal being scrapped.

“Ame panga kufanya kazi ati pale Bomas of Kenya, ambayo amepatia Muhindi, alikuwa amepatia Muturuki, nilipopiga kelele akafukuza Muturuki akapatia Muhindi. Muhindi amepewa lease ya 99 years,” Gachagua added.

This translates to: “He planned to do business at Bomas of Kenya, which he gave to an Indian; he had given it to a Turk, but when I raised the alarm, he chased the Turk away and gave it to an Indian. The Indian got a 99-year lease.”

He said that NSSF funds are being channelled into this deal, further depriving Kenyan workers.

Gachagua didn’t spare Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary-General Francis Atwoli, accusing him of staying silent on the issue.

“Na huyo mzee Francis Atwoli amenyamaza. Wewe Francis Atwoli umenyamaza ama mmekula pamoja na Kasongo,” he said.

Translated to: “And that old man Francis Atwoli is quiet. Have you, Francis Atwoli, stayed silent because you’ve eaten with Kasongo?”