Water and Sanitation Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome defended her actions at Maji House on Saturday, September 23, after State House Chief of Staff Felix Koseki moved to quell simmering supremacy battles in her docket.
In a statement, Wahome denied reports that she frustrated the Ethics and anti-corruption Commission – EACC as its officers investigated alleged misappropriation of funds at the Athi Water Works Development Agency (AWWDA).
Wahome went public on the matter hours after the man at the centre of the saga, Athi Water Works Development Agency CEO, Michael Thuita resigned following his arrest by EACC.
“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,” Alice Wahome explained.
Alice Wahome Undermining Government
Furthermore, in his letter to the Board of Athi Water Works Development Agency, Koskei had raised concerns that the Ministry was undermining the government’s position on fighting corruption.
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“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 dispatch read in part.
State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed added, “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.”
And now, Wahome says she supports President William Ruto‘s zero tolerance to graft and that she will always act within the law.
“On my part I support zero tolerance to corruption and at the same time confirm that I will uphold the rule of law and constitutionalism in handling this matter and any other that may be brought to my attention in the course of my duties as the Cabinet Secretary,” said CS Alice Wahome.
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Michael Thuita Resigns
In addition, she confirmed receipt of the letter Koskei sent to the Board, after it emerged, that Wahome had refused to honour requests by EACC to suspend Thuita.
“I am in copy of a letter addressed to Athi Water Board in respect of Eng. Michael Thuita by The Chief of Staff and Head of the Public Service, Mr. Felix Koskei, asking the board to deliberate on the matter within seven (7) days.”
She said, “The matter of investigations is within the mandate of EACC, and I am confident that the Athi Water Works Development Agency is giving full co-operation in that regard.”
