Wamuzi News Ke
In a stunning development, Eng. Philemon Kandie, Director General of the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA), has tendered his resignation effective July 11, 2025. The announcement comes just days after a High Court petition accused him of orchestrating and financing violent protests that swept the nation in June.
According to his resignation letter, Kandie — who had a five-year contract due to run until April 2027 — will leave office on October 10, 2025, after serving a three-month notice. He has requested to begin 45 days of annual leave from July 14, 2025.
The KeRRA Board, in consultation with the Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary, has appointed Eng. Jackson K. Magondu as acting Director General. Magondu previously served as the Authority’s Director in charge of Planning, Design and Environment.
High Court Petition Sparks Fallout
The abrupt resignation followed a legal petition filed at the High Court on July 3, 2025, by citizen activist Wahome Mucunu. The petition alleged that Kandie used his position to channel state resources through shell companies and contractors linked to KeRRA in support of violent protests commemorating the previous year’s anti-tax unrest.
Mucunu accused Kandie of violating constitutional provisions including abuse of office, misuse of public funds, breach of public trust, and undermining national values under Chapter Six. The petition sought orders to bar Kandie from holding public office and to compel investigations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the criminal investigations department (DCI).
A Leadership Crisis in Two Road Agencies
Kandie’s resignation is part of a remarkable leadership shake-up—on the same day, Eng. Kungu Ndung’u, Director General of the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), also stepped down. Both road agencies now operate under interim leadership as replacements are sought.
This rare twin resignation has raised urgent questions about governance and public oversight in infrastructure agencies.
Shadow Over KeRRA’s Integrity
Under Kandie’s tenure, KeRRA expanded rural road access across Kenya—but his administration has long been clouded by allegations of financial mismanagement. Critics claim billions in public funds were disbursed without sufficient checks, particularly through irregular procurement.
Observers believe the scandal now threatens KeRRA’s credibility and the stability of critical infrastructure projects designed for remote communities.
What Lies Ahead
With Kandie’s departure, Jackson Magondu faces the immediate task of stabilising the Authority while under the public gaze. The High Court petition remains active, and as legal proceedings loom, Kenyan institutions may be forced into a reckoning over political interference and misuse of state machinery.
If the allegations prove true, Kandie’s misconduct could prompt broader reforms across public agencies—and intensify scrutiny over future appointments.
Kenya at a Crossroads: Governance or Cover-Up?
Kandie’s resignation, timed days after explosive accusations of fomenting nationwide unrest, marks a turning point. It pits institutional accountability against political expediency—and threatens to expose deep-seated weaknesses in oversight.
As Kenya awaits further legal outcomes, the nation must decide: will its road authorities carry on with integrity—or will scandal continue to derail public trust?
