Two MPs defend Ngilu over graft

Embattled Water minister Charity Ngilu got support from unlikely quarters.

Outspoken Chepalungu MP Isaac Ruto called for full investigations before linking the minister to corruption.

Also calling for full investigations was Special Programmes minister Esther Murugi.

The Chepalungu MP instead accused the Water Services Regulatory Board of failing to perform its duties to ensure that water service providers did their work.

“We should get the facts right before we make any statements,” Mr Ruto said. “For now I cannot believe any of the claims.”

Nepotism claims

Claims of corruption in the Water ministry were first raised by Mr Mwangi Kiunjuri, now Public Works assistant minister, last month.

He had just been transferred from the water docket when he made the allegations.

Speaking to the Nation on phone, Ms Murugi called for full investigations into the claims of nepotism at the ministry.

“Right now there is a lot of back and forth. Until we get the full sources it is difficult to conclusively comment,” she said.

Meanwhile, a group of civil society activists are expected to appear before a parliamentary select committee today to give evidence on corruption at the water ministry.

Kenya Water and Sanitation CSO’s Network leader Stephen Mutoro yesterday confirmed that he had been invited by the parliamentary committee on Environment, Lands and Natural Resources to shed more light on the corruption allegations at the ministry.