EACC probes alleged graft in water project in Tigania

Residents of Athwana in Tigania West, Meru County, demonstrate over Sh152 million Kingirwa irrigation project which stalled in 2016. PHOTO| DAVID MUCHUI | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Early this year, the residents protested over delay of the project and appealed to the government to help them revive the project.
  • Mr Kipsang Sambai said that the probe would delve into how tenders were awarded for various components of the project.

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) is investigating how Sh152 million meant for a water project in Tigania West was allegedly embezzled.

Launched in 2016 by then Water and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa, Kiingirwa irrigation water project stalled even after Sh152 million was allegedly spent.

INVESTIGATIONS

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 Nation 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.

SH152 MILLION

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 launch of the project, residents of Athwana had bought pipes and other materials. Early this year, the residents protested over delay of the project and appealed to the government to help them revive the project.