The Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) has taken a bold step by suing President William Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta over what it calls a wasteful and harmful decision involving the Nairobi-Nakuru expressway. This follows reports that the government will pay Ksh6.2 billion to a group of French contractors as compensation for cancelling a previously agreed highway deal.
The cancellation, according to many, has not only cost the country a huge amount of money but has also raised serious questions about leadership and accountability.The original agreement, signed by Uhuru Kenyatta in 2020 during his visit to Paris, was meant to see the construction of a modern 140-kilometre expressway linking Nairobi to Nakuru.
However, the Ruto administration chose to terminate the contract with the French consortium and instead handed the same project to a Chinese firm. As a result of this sudden change, the French contractors demanded compensation for the breach of contract, and now the Treasury is expected to pay this Ksh6.2 billion before the end of the current financial year, which ends on June 30.Motorists have strongly criticized the Ruto government, calling the cancellation foolish and irresponsible.
In a statement released Thursday morning, they expressed anger and disappointment over how decisions with such serious financial consequences could be made without proper thought or concern for the public. They believe this is yet another example of how political decisions are hurting ordinary taxpayers. The Association accused the current administration of making choices based on political interests rather than the good of the people.
MAK has now vowed to take legal action and called on Kenyans to stand up against what they described as economic crimes. They did not spare Uhuru Kenyatta either, insisting that both the former and current presidents must face justice. They said it was wrong for Kenyan citizens to bear the financial burden of poor leadership. The group said they would not allow such acts of economic sabotage to go unchallenged and warned that unless those in power are held responsible, such reckless actions will continue.
They stressed the importance of punishing all officials involved in the failed agreement to prevent similar mistakes in the future. The Association clearly stated that leadership should come with responsibility and not be used as a shield for impunity.
The legal battle is expected to put pressure on both the government and former officials to explain their role in this costly blunder. Many Kenyans are now watching closely, hoping that justice will be served and that leaders will start making decisions that protect public funds and serve the country’s interests.
