NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 23 — Head of Public Service Felix Koskei has directed the Athi Water Works Development Agency Board to suspend its CEO Michael Thuita after EACC arrested him on graft allegations.
Koskei ordered Thuita’s suspension on account of an ongoing inquiry into irregularities in the procurement of the Ruiru II, Karimenu, and Kitui Matuu water projects.
“The suspension of Thuita is pending investigations into alleged irregularities in the award of tender for construction of Ruiru II, Karimenu and Kitui Matuu water projects undertaken by the agency,” State House announced.
In addition, Koskei ordered the suspension of Samuel Oruma, CEO of the Central Rift Valley Water Works Development Agency Board, on similar allegations.
Oruma was suspended due to an ongoing investigation of the Water Supply and Sanitation System for Bomet, Longisa, and Mulot towns projects within the agency’s jurisdiction.
“The Head of Public Service in letters to the chairmen of the two boards says the two CEOs are in office, notwithstanding the gravity of allegations and the quantum of resources under inquiry,” State House announced.
The directive came even as it emerged Water, Irrigation and Sanitation Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome had declined a request by EACC to suspend Thuita to facilitate an investigation.
‘Serious allegations’
On May 31, CS Wahome wrote to EACC maintaining that there wasn’t enough evidence to support the suspension request against Thuita and the alleged offences.
“The subject matter should be investigations into procurement illegalities in the award of tender of the projects mentioned in your said letter and not suspension as referenced above,” she said.
“To enable me to consider the recommended action of suspension of the officer alleged to have been involved in the irregularities, kindly let me have the letter of complaint or the complaint file.”
EACC had written to Wahome on May 24 noting that CEO Thuita had been adversely mentioned in tendering malpractices and irregularities in the Ruiru Dam II project, Karimenu and the Kitui Matuu Water projects.
“The commission is undertaking the investigations on procurement irregularities in the award of tender where the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Eng. Michael M. Thuita has been adversely mentioned,” EACC CEO Twalib Mbarak wrote at the time.
“Therefore, there is a likelihood that his being in the office will interfere with the smooth provision of documents and persons who may be called upon as witnesses.”
EACC said its advisory was in line with Regulation 25 (2) of the Leadership and Integrity Act 2012, a person may be removed from office if it is suspected that they will conceal, alter, destroy, or remove records, documents, or evidence.
Section 47(2) of the Act provides that a state or public officer may be suspended from their position pending an investigation and resolution of any claims brought against them, if the suspension is deemed necessary.
