Gachagua, Matiang’i train guns on Ruto over corruption claims in SHA, housing projects

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua who doubles as the leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i who has also declared presidential ambitions in 2027 have delivered a potent, unified indictment against president William Ruto’s governance targeting the controversial Social Health Authority (SHA) and the affordable housing project terming them as graft projects.

Speaking separately during weekend rallies, the duo as well as the Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa urged Kenyans to hold the government accountable over what they termed as rampant corruption and the erosion of trust in leadership.

Their calls for accountability mark a clear shift from silent critique to public confrontation, setting the stage for political battles heading into 2027.

Matiang’i criticised the administration for what he termed as empty promises, mismanagement of public funds, and growing debt.

He singled out the Social Health Authority (SHA), questioning whether it was delivering services as pledged.

“They have driven the country into debt; the only work they are doing is indebting the nation. Parents are struggling to keep children in school because capitation funds have not reached principals, yet we read that Ksh24 billion has been stolen. Then they come around giving our mothers Ksh64. Is that what leadership is about?” he posed.

The former CS highlighted his record in both the Education and Interior ministries, pledging that under his leadership, resources meant for schools and communities would be protected and directed where they are needed most.

“This country needs a government that works for its people. I am ready to take responsibility and show Kenyans how leadership should be done,” he said.

Speaking Separately, Gachagua dismissed the government’s SHA programme as a “grand scam,” claiming it is being used to siphon billions of shillings from taxpayers.

Speaking at a church service in Ongata Rongai, Kajiado County, Gachagua alleged that senior government officials are at the center of the scheme, channeling funds to non-existent hospitals while mission facilities remain unpaid.

“There is massive corruption at SHA. Billions are being allocated to ghost hospitals, yet mission hospitals receive nothing. Who is fooling who?” he posed.

In his first public appearance since returning from the United States, the DCP Party leader later addressed a rally at Ongata Rongai Quarry Market, where he accused President William Ruto of enabling corruption. He claimed delegations visiting State House were receiving bribes to back government initiatives.

“When I was in America, I heard the President lamenting about bribery among MPs. Yet State House itself is the epicenter of corruption. Just the other day, people from Kiambu were each given ten thousand shillings,” Gachagua alleged.

His remarks came as opposition leaders intensified criticism of the Ruto administration over what they described as rampant misuse of public funds.

In Narok County, Democratic Action Party-Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa urged Kenyans to hold the government accountable.

“SHA is just a drop in the ocean of the daylight robbery we are witnessing,” Wamalwa said.

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, speaking during a service at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Elburgon, Nakuru County, echoed the concern, warning that the opposition would not remain silent. “We cannot sit back and watch the ongoing plunder of public resources,” he said.

Kitutu Chache South MP Richard Onyonka also weighed in, accusing officials of looting funds meant for healthcare while ordinary Kenyans struggle.

The leaders vowed to remain united under a single opposition presidential candidate in the 2027 general election.

“Whoever is chosen, we will stand with them,” Gachagua said, a sentiment echoed by Wamalwa, who affirmed: “We will remain a united front.”