The Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Noordin Haji, has established a specialized team to collaborate with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in examining allegations of billions in lost public funds linked to dam construction projects.
Haji emphasized the complexity of the case, noting the involvement of multiple parties and the need to scrutinize tendering processes, bid discrepancies, and contract execution. The investigation focuses on projects including the Embobut Multi-Purpose Dam, Kimwarer, Lower Turkwel irrigation scheme, Arror Dam, and Napuu II irrigation project.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich faced questioning by DCI officers over the Sh65 billion Arror and Kimwarer dams, where irregularities in tendering and award processes have drawn scrutiny. DPP Haji stated that evidence suggests legal breaches requiring thorough examination.
Deputy President William Ruto and Senator Kipchumba Murkomen disputed claims of financial loss, with Ruto asserting only Sh7 billion had been spent, while Rotich confirmed Sh21 billion had been paid. The DPP highlighted the need for international cooperation to trace illicit payments and identify entities behind suspicious contracts.
International Cooperation ¶
Haji stressed the urgency of tracing Sh21 billion already paid to contractors, warning that legal violations necessitate cross-border collaboration. Investigators are examining irregularities such as awards without project designs, post-hoc design creation, and land acquisition failures.
The probe also scrutinizes land ownership disputes, compensation for affected communities, and the involvement of numerous government officials. DPP directives prioritize financial investigations to recover assets linked to corruption, ensuring prosecutions address both convictions and fund recovery.
