Maraga claims graft in Rironi-Mau Summit road project, claims Ksh.33B embezzled

Former Chief Justice David Maraga has criticised the government’s Rironi-Mau Summit road project, saying it is riddled with graft.

The Rironi-Mau Summit road project, stretching 175 kilometres, is among the flagship infrastructure projects championed by President Ruto, but five months after its launch, questions are emerging about its cost.

Maraga says an initial contract signed under the former President Uhuru Kenyatta administration and worth Ksh.159 billion was cancelled for a more expensive one.

“As soon as Ruto came to power, he revoked the contract … an extra Ksh.33 billion, this is the same company that has been doing construction in Ethiopia … one million per metre…” he said.

“It is costly, this project Ruto is pushing is for looting … we cannot afford to have him go on, it would be a disaster to have him go on.”

However, appearing before the Senate Committee on Roads and Transport, Roads Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir maintained that the project is on course.

“Section between Gilgil and Nakuru is a six dual lane … we are hoping to officially open the section by August this year," Chirchir said.

The Rironi-Mau Summit road, estimated at Ksh.184 billion, was launched by President Ruto in November last year with the aim of easing traffic congestion along the busy Nairobi-Nakuru highway.

“From Naivasha to Gilgil, the road will be four lanes, from there to Nakuru, six lanes," added the CS.