NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 24 — Water and Sanitation Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome now says the decision not to suspend embattled Athi Water Works Development Agency Chief Executive Officer Michael Thuita was within her discretion.
Wahome, who termed Thuita as functus officio having since resigned on his own accord, however insisted that the move did not prejudice the corruption allegations probe that was initiated by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
She was responding to mounting criticism and allegations of obstructing an ongoing corruption investigation on Thuita.
“I have not in any way failed to cooperate with the EACC as alleged by mainstream media reports and the exercise of my discretion not to suspend Eng. Thuita until the requested information is availed to me did not in any way prejudice investigations,” Wahome said.
She added that her office was aware of the letter addressed to Athi Water Board in respect to Thuita by Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service, Felix Koskei, asking the board to deliberate on the matter within seven days.
Wahome emphasized that the investigation of individuals falls within the purview of the EACC and expressed confidence that the Athi Water Works Development Agency is providing full cooperation in the probe.
The Water CS reiterated her commitment to zero tolerance policy to corruption and pledged to uphold the rule of law and constitutional principles in handling “this matter and any other that may be brought to my attention in the course of my duties as the Cabinet Secretary.”
Wahome’s response came hours after Thuita resigned as Athi Water CEO following his arrest by EACC detectives.
Ordered to quit
In a statement released on Saturday, Chairperson of Athi Water Board Charles Karondo named Mungai Kamau the acting CEO with immediate effect.
“Michael Thuita has resigned as CEO of Athi Water Works Development Agency with immediate effect. Consequently, Joseph Mungai Kamau will perform the functions of the CEO in acting capacity,” he said.
Thuita resignation followed a directive by the Head of Public Service Felix Koskei to the Athi Water Board to suspend him.
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.
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.
