The antigraft crusader and ethics watchdogs EACC has launched investigating to unravel how Sh152 million meant for a water project in Tigania West was embezzled by the corrupt figures individuals.
Launched in 2016 by then Water and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa, Kiingirwa irrigation water project stalled soon after despite the Treasury facilitating its development with Sh152 million.
The anti-graft agency’s upper eastern regional manager Kipsang Sambai said they had interviewed several people involved in the project, and were making headway in the investigations.
“We have already summoned individuals of interest to the case and we intend to interrogate all those who were involved in the project,” Mr. Sambai told media on Thursday.
He said that the probe would delve into how tenders were awarded for various components of the project including how the money was released and accounts to which it was wired.
Last Saturday, a meeting called by local leaders to resolve the matter turned chaotic after Tigania West MP John Mutunga, Athwana MCA Victor Kariithi, and former PS Peter Akunu, who is a committee member of the project, clashed.
Mr Kariithi said they wanted investigations to be concluded fast.
“It is sad that when solutions are being sought for our people who are suffering, some individuals want to benefit from the projects. The only thing we can show of the Sh152 million is an incomplete intake in the Nyambene hills,” he said.
Before the launch of the project, residents of Athwana had bought pipes and other materials. Early this year, the residents protested over the delay of the project and appealed to the government to help them revive the project.
