- Irungu Kang’ata is accused of swindling six Kenyan families affected by the Ethiopian Airlines crash.
- Each family was due to receive KSh160 million from Boeing as compensation.
- The payout — KSh960 million in total — was allegedly redirected illegally to Kang’ata.
- Names of the supposed victims were allegedly people now working as CECs in his government.
- Senator Cherargei is also said to have received KSh60 million to “bury” the matter.
- Questions are now being raised over Kang’ata’s political ambitions and integrity.
It’s been five years since the tragic Ethiopian Airlines crash that took the lives of 34 Kenyans. Yet for six families, justice and compensation remain out of reach. This delay has sparked outrage following claims that Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata allegedly diverted the funds meant for them.
KSh960 Million Vanished in the Shadows
Each affected family was entitled to a compensation of $1.2 million, translating to around KSh160 million per household. Shockingly, it is now alleged that Kang’ata illegally pocketed a total of KSh960 million, listing fake names in the process — some of whom are now serving in his county government as County Executive Committee members.
Senate’s Role Under Scrutiny
In a twist that deepens the scandal, Senator Samson Cherargei is said to have walked away with KSh60 million from the same payout. As chair of the Senate committee handling the Boeing compensation issue at the time, his silence was reportedly bought to ensure the file was quietly closed.
A Country Betrayed
The revelations have triggered fresh debate on corruption and the extent to which high-ranking officials are willing to exploit national tragedies for personal gain. Many citizens are left wondering how such a blatant act could go unpunished for years.
Political Clout Amid Scandal
Despite the controversy, some critics now say Kang’ata seems “qualified” for a presidential bid — sarcastically citing his controversial track record as the kind that fits UDA’s political mold. For many, the entire ordeal reflects a system that rewards impunity rather than accountability.
