Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i has criticised President William Ruto’s administration over plans to construct State Lodges, saying the government should prioritise strengthening security infrastructure instead of investing in what he described as non-essential executive facilities.
Speaking in Meru, Matiang’i questioned the rationale behind the construction of new State Lodges, including reported plans for one in Meru, arguing that such projects are unnecessary given existing infrastructure and the availability of private hospitality facilities across the country.
He said public funds would be better spent addressing pressing security challenges facing residents in troubled regions.
“I would advise them to use that money that you are going to build a statehouse in building an ultramodern military training facility to create a buffer zone between Isiolo and Meru to protect our people who are attacked every day,” Matiang’i said, referring to recurring insecurity incidents along the Isiolo–Meru border area.
He further questioned the need for additional State Lodges, noting that modern transport systems and improved air mobility make it unnecessary for the President to have multiple facilities across the country.
“From State House, Nairobi, it will be in Meru in 40 minutes or 45 minutes. Why do you need a state lodge here?” he posed.
Matiang’i also argued that the concept of State Lodges was outdated, saying the government should instead leverage existing private investments in the hospitality sector.
“This is not 1963 or 1969. We have beautiful hotels and private investments across the country. Let us make use of them and give them business,” he said.
He proposed that the funds earmarked for such projects be redirected to establish a modern military training facility capable of responding to insecurity in affected regions.
“They should spend those resources in constructing a crack unit training facility in all these places where our people are being killed every day,” he added.
His remarks come amid growing public concern over the future of Imenti Forest in Meru County.
In a statement issued on June 4, 2026, the Green Belt Movement condemned what it termed an emerging scheme to carve up sections of Imenti Forest for the construction of an airstrip, golf course, and State Lodge.
The environmental lobby group warned that the proposals threaten one of Kenya’s key water towers and biodiversity zones, arguing that forests should not be converted for luxury or commercial developments.
The group further called on authorities to halt any plans involving the forest, demanding full disclosure and strict adherence to constitutional procedures governing public land and environmental protection.
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