Felix Koskei, the State House Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service, has issued directives to suspend two CEOs of water development agencies pending graft investigations by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
Koskei’s decision, announced in a statement on Friday, stems from alleged irregularities in the awarding of tenders for several water projects.
Specifically, he cited concerns related to the Ruiru II, Karimenu, and Kitui Matuu water projects as reasons for suspending CEO Michael Thuita from the Athi Water Works Development Agency.
Koskei emphasized that the delay in the board’s action against the CEO was undermining the government’s anti-corruption efforts.
Similarly, CEO Samuel Oruma of the Central Rift Valley Water Works Development Agency faces suspension over similar allegations regarding projects in Bomet, Longisa, and Mulot towns.
Koskei stressed that the delayed response from the board and the ministry was counterproductive to the government’s anti-corruption campaign.
According to a statement from State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, “Mr. Koskei says the inordinate delay in taking action on the part of the board of directors and the ministry is undermining the government’s war against corruption.”
Despite the gravity of the allegations and the significant resources under scrutiny, both CEOs remained in their positions until Koskei’s directive.
This announcement came shortly after EACC officers arrested Michael Thuita, compelling him to cooperate in searches of his homes and office in Westlands and Rongai. These searches aimed to secure crucial documents relevant to the ongoing investigation.
Notably, Water and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome has yet to act on EACC’s advisory to suspend CEO Thuita during the investigation. EACC had previously expressed concerns over the CEO’s alleged involvement in the irregular awarding of multi-billion-shilling water project tenders.
