KeRRA Boss Linked to Maandamano Violence in Damning Accusations

Petition filed seeking removal of embattled director-general over alleged role in financing June 2025 protests

NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) director-general Philemon Kandie faces fresh allegations of misconduct after a petition was filed in the High Court seeking his removal over claims he financed and coordinated violent protests that rocked the country in June 2025.

The petition, filed by concerned citizen Wahome Mucunu, accuses the embattled public official of using his position to funnel state resources through shell companies and contractors linked to KeRRA to support what she describes as a politically motivated campaign allegedly spearheaded by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Allegations of State-Sponsored Violence

According to court documents, Mucunu claims that Kandie violated multiple constitutional provisions including abuse of office, breach of public trust, and misuse of public resources to support demonstrations that resulted in widespread violence, property destruction, and loss of life.

“The demonstrations were not peaceful. They involved storming public buildings, looting businesses, attacking law enforcement, and inciting ethnic tensions,” the petition states.

“All this was made possible through illicit financing directly tied to the Respondent’s office.”

The June 2025 protests, which commemorated the anniversary of the deadly anti-tax demonstrations that led to the storming of parliament in 2024, turned violent across several parts of the country.

Human rights organizations reported at least 16 deaths during the nationwide rallies, with most casualties attributed to police action.

Intelligence Links to KeRRA

The petitioner alleges that intelligence and investigative reports have established links between procurement accounts and logistical support for violent groups to entities associated with Kandie, who continues to draw a salary from taxpayer funds despite the ongoing controversies surrounding his tenure.

Mucunu argues that these events, while presented as political dissent, were “criminal operations that undermined national peace and cohesion,” causing economic sabotage and threatening national unity.

Gachagua Connection

The petition specifically mentions former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who was impeached in October 2024 amid accusations of supporting youth-led anti-government protests.

Gachagua has repeatedly denied orchestrating protests, including the June 2024 demonstrations that led to his political downfall.

In recent media interviews, Gachagua has been critical of President William Ruto’s administration, calling for either the president’s resignation or preparation to face voters in 2027.

He has also cautioned police against using excessive force during demonstrations.

Legal Remedies Sought

The petition seeks several court orders including:

• A declaration that Kandie has violated the Constitution and committed gross misconduct
• A permanent injunction barring him from holding any public office
• Compelling the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to investigate misuse of KeRRA funds
• Directing the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to open criminal proceedings
• Ordering the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to probe his alleged role in ethnic incitement

History of Controversy

This latest petition adds to Kandie’s legal troubles. The KeRRA boss has faced multiple corruption allegations throughout his tenure, including accusations of irregular use of Sh4.6 billion in public funds. His removal from office has been the subject of various court proceedings, with employment courts previously suspending his ouster over procedural irregularities.

The authority, which manages Kenya’s vast rural road network, has been dogged by procurement scandals and allegations of financial mismanagement under Kandie’s leadership.

Political Context

The allegations come at a time of heightened political tension in Kenya, with opposition figures and civil society groups continuing to criticize the government’s handling of protests and police brutality. The June 2025 demonstrations were part of ongoing discontent over economic policies, governance issues, and human rights concerns.

Recent protests have been sparked by various issues including the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody, leading to renewed calls for police reforms and accountability.