Anti-graft team quizzes Ngilu

Water minister Charity Ngilu was on Friday questioned by the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission in connection with graft allegations in her ministry.

The minister arrived at the KACC offices shortly after 9 am and left an hour later without talking to journalists who had camped at Integrity Centre.

“I am fine,” was all she said before being driven away.

Two weeks ago, Ms Ngilu failed to respond to the KACC summons, saying she had been not been notified in time.

KACC director PLO Lumumba would also not give details.

“Madam Ngilu was asked here to respond to allegations made about her and a number of officials regarding activities that may be considered economic crimes,” the director said.

“We wanted to hear her side of the story,” he said.

A source said the minister took the detectives through a huge bundle of documents.

The anti-graft unit is investigating corruption allegations at the ministry that range from forgery, unprocedural and double payments for goods and services, tax evasion, irregular awards of tenders and nepotism.

The claims were first raised in October by Public Works assistant minister Mwangi Kiunjuri soon after he was transferred from the water docket.

Several officials from the Water ministry have been questioned by the KACC detectives.

Mr Kiunjuri, who has been to the KACC offices twice to present evidence, said awarding of contracts at the ministry was not transparent.

The assistant minister, who blames Ms Ngilu for his exit from the ministry, alleged that up to eight companies and an NGO with close links to Ms Ngilu had done business with the ministry.

The minister denies the allegations, claiming cartels in the water sector were fighting her anti-graft efforts.

Ms Ngilu joins a list of ministers grilled by the KACC in regard to graft claims.

Others are Foreign Affairs minister Moses Wetangula, Industrialisation minister Henry Kosgey, Gender minister Naomi Shabaan and suspended Higher Education minister William Ruto.