Muturi accuses Ruto of allocating Murang’a land to foreign investors
By Kenneth Mwenda, March 15, 2026Former Speaker of the National Assembly, Justin Muturi, has raised concerns over the allocation of land in Murang’a County, warning that the interests of local residents are being sidelined in favour of foreign investors.
Muturi said the land, surrendered by Del Monte and covering more than 7,000 acres, was intended for nearly 4,000 local beneficiaries who had waited years for rightful settlement. He stressed that Parliament had made a clear resolution during his tenure as Speaker to ensure that the community received the land.
“The land surrendered by Del Monte in Murang’a County was meant to bring justice to the local community. Parliament made a resolution that this land be allocated to nearly 4,000 local beneficiaries who had waited for years. That decision represented hope for many families who believed that, at last, fairness would prevail,” Muturi said.
He added that it was “deeply disturbing” that part of the land had now been allocated to investors from Bangladesh under the administration of President William Ruto.
“This is unacceptable. The people of Murang’a cannot be sidelined while their land is handed to outsiders,” he said, noting that the United Alternative Government would ensure the land is returned and allocated transparently.
Muturi’s comments came on Sunday, March 15, 2026, after attending a church service at Kirathani Grounds in Ithanga, Gatanga Constituency, where he was joined by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. The event also became a platform for Gachagua to voice concerns about President Ruto’s handling of government projects and investments.
Chinese contractors deportation
Gachagua accused Ruto of deporting Chinese contractors to favour a higher bid on the British-funded Railway City project. The project, he said, was originally awarded to China Railway at Ksh22 billion, but a company with a higher bid of Ksh29 billion was given the contract. Gachagua claimed Ruto instructed Kenya Railways to award the higher bid, costing taxpayers Ksh7 billion.
“Yesterday, kuna kitu inaitwa Railway City; it’s a grant from the British government. Tender imefanywa Wachinese wanaitwa China Railway wameshinda, a Ksh22 billion. Hataki wafanye. Iko kampuni ingine, wamequote Ksh29 billion. Difference of Ksh7 billion. Ameambia Kenya Railways patia wale wa Ksh29 billion, not Ksh22 billion. Ndio hii billioni saba atumie kwa uchaguzi,” he said.
Gachagua also claimed the directors of China Railway were deported to prevent them from appealing the procurement decision.
“Hawa wa Ksh22 billion, wameenda appeals tribunal, ya procurement. Unajua vile Kasongo amefanya? Jana asubuhi woote wamesanywa, wamekuwa deported, wamewekwa ndege, wamerudishwa China, ndio hiyo kesi ikwishe,” he said.
He said he would bring the matter to both the British and Chinese governments, adding:
“We are asking the British government, please, there is no way you can agree to give that grant, and seven billion shillings are stolen and taken for Ruto’s reelection. We will be giving more details in the next two days to the British Embassy and the Chinese Embassy.”
Ruto expands across sectors
Beyond land and construction, Gachagua accused President Ruto of expanding into multiple business sectors, including steel, cement, tiles, insurance, banking, education, and hospitality. He said Ruto’s business moves were affecting public and private enterprises, including affordable housing projects.
“Huyu sasa, amenyang’anya wanabiashara wote biashara Kenya. Ako kwa kila sector ya biashara. Ameingia manufacturing, ako na kampuni mbili manufacturing steel. Amenunua kampuni ya cement. Amenunua kampuni ya tiles. Na ndio ameweka very heavy tax on imported tiles, ndio kampuni yake iuze tiles Jamhuri yote ya Kenya,” he said.
On medical services, Gachagua claimed Ruto was seeking to take over Nairobi Hospital and had pressured board members to resign.
“Jana all the board members wamekamatwa. Wamekuwa wakisukumwa wabadilishe sheria ndio Kasongo achukue Nairobi Hospital, wakakataa. So, polisi wametumika wamekuwa rounded up wote,” he said.