Kirinyaga MCAs quizzed over burnt Sh2m solar power system

Mwea East police boss John Onditi who confirmed that two Kirinyaga MCAs were on March 9, 2020 questioned after a solar power system worth Sh2 million was burnt down. PHOTO | GEORGE MUNENE | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • The solar power system was officially launched by Interior PS Karanja Kibicho in 2018.
  • The project, which Nganya Women's Group uses to generate income, has ground to a halt.
  • Mr Onditi said the MCAs will not be spared if it is established that they incited residents to destroy the property.

Criminal investigations officers have questioned two members of the Kirinyaga County Assembly following the burning of government property worth Sh2 million.

The MCAs were summoned to Wang'uru Police Station on Monday evening and questioned for five hours after a solar power system which was officially launched by Interior Principal Secretary Karanja Kibicho in 2018 was found burnt in Kimbimbi on Friday morning.

The system is used for supplying power to two rice and maize flour mills in a women's empowerment pilot project initiated by the national government.

WOMEN'S PROJECT

During the opening ceremony, Dr Kibicho revealed that such projects will be replicated in several parts of the country if the Kimbimbi one succeeds.

Following destruction of the system, the project, which Nganya Women's Group uses to generate income, has ground to a halt.

The MCAs were released after recording statements at the local Directorate of Criminal Investigations office.

The system was destroyed after the Ward Reps addressed residents who were fencing off a local market which has been at the centre of a dispute.

SHED LIGHT

According to Mwea East police boss John Onditi, the MCAs had been told to appear at the station to shed light on the incident.

"The system was torched soon after the MCAs visited the area and addressed the residents at the market which is adjacent to the women's group’s project and we would like to know what transpired," Mr Onditi told the Nation.

He observed that the offence was serious and the MCAs will not be spared if it is established that they incited residents to destroy the property.

"We are taking the matter seriously and, if the MCAs are found to have committed any crime, they will face the law," he said.