Deputy President William Ruto reportedly held an emergency meeting with President Uhuru Kenyatta late Tuesday, accusing the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) of politicizing the probe into the Sh21 billion phantom dams scandal. The discussion centered on the investigation of Arror and Kamwerer dams in Elgeyo Marakwet County, which have drawn public scrutiny since 2019.
Henry Rotich, the project's principal architect, has been under investigation for three days by DCI officials. Sources indicate he may face prosecution next week over allegations of financial misconduct linked to the dams. The scandal has intensified tensions within the Kalenjin community, with leaders like Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi and Senator Kipchumba Murkomen accusing the DCI of targeting Kalenjin professionals.
Ruto reportedly criticized the DCI's focus on Rift Valley projects while overlooking similar infrastructure in Central Kenya, including the Karemenu Dam in Gatundu South. He argued the investigation was disproportionate and threatened to damage his public image. The meeting, which lasted over two hours, marked an unusual late-night intervention at State House.
The DCI has not publicly addressed the allegations. The scandal, which emerged in 2019, has raised questions about accountability in large-scale public works projects. Rotich's legal team has yet to comment on the ongoing proceedings.
The source's copyright year is 2012.
