Rigathi Gachagua Complains About Chinese Labourers In Gov't Projects: "Ile Tunataka Walete Tu Pesa"

• Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua raised concerns about the number of Chinese workers employed in government projects
• Gachagua emphasised that local youth should be considered for employment opportunities in these projects
• He stated that Kenyans were capable of constructing the railway line and that they were interested in the money from the Chinese

Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Kajiado - Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has raised concern over the number of Chinese employed in various government projects.

During the launch of the construction works for the Riruta-Ngong Commuter Rail line on Friday, December 15, the DP lauded the project as a game changer in the region.

However, Gachagua stated that the project should benefit the local population by providing jobs to the youth.

He pointed out that he saw many Chinese lining up to greet President William Ruto, adding that there should only be three.

"This project that you have come to launch here today in Ngong will greatly help our people to travel to Nairobi affordably and return without congestion. Therefore, we are very grateful. I would like to echo what the MP has mentioned, that these contractors and project managers should consider our local youth for employment opportunities. Are you listening, Chinese nationals?

I noticed a long line when the president was greeting them; they should only be three: the company owner, the chief engineer, and the chief accountant responsible for paying workers on Saturdays. However, all other positions should be given to our people," he said.

What duties should the Chinese take

The DP explained that constructing the railway line wasn't something that would be difficult for Kenyans.

Gachagua said they were interested in money from the Chinese and the services of their knowledgeable engineer.

"The construction of this railway project is not beyond our capabilities. What we want from them is money, and they should bring their knowledgeable engineer and chief accountant with money and bags. Are you hearing, Chinese national," the DP added.

The second in command also implored the project heads to pay the locals on a weekly basis to allow them to cater for their affairs.

"These workers should be paid on Saturdays, not kept waiting until the end of the month to organize their affairs," Gachagua said amid cheers.

China reportedly hacked Kenyan ministries

In a separate report, Chinese hackers targeted Kenya's National Intelligence Service (NIS), the Office of the President, the National Treasury and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for years in a bid to spy on the country's debt policy.

This is according to a new report by the Reuters news agency that revealed that China ran a three-year hacking operation on Kenya's sensitive government offices before the 2022 elections.