The Director of Public Prosecutions, Noordin Haji, has ordered the confiscation of properties acquired through proceeds from multibillion-shilling dam projects allegedly involving corruption, which could cost Kenyans billions of shillings. Haji emphasized that investigations into identifying such assets must be prioritized, stating that these properties—already mapped by authorities—belong to senior government officials implicated in questionable tendering and procurement processes.
The projects under scrutiny include Itare, Embobut, Kimwarer, Arror dams, and the Napuu II irrigation project. Haji noted that key witnesses have provided evidence suggesting breaches of law, with investigations focusing on tendering irregularities, discrepancies in bidders' identities, and the payment of Sh21 billion to contractors in the Kimwarer and Arror projects—a sum conflicting with Deputy President William Ruto’s earlier claim of Sh7 billion under probe.
Investigations are targeting the Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA), which oversees the Arror and Kimwarer projects. The authority, established in 1979, has faced allegations of kickbacks to officials, with investigators questioning over 100 individuals. KVDA’s procurement boss and engineer were among those interrogated, while Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich and his principal secretary appeared before investigators.
Haji stressed that prosecutions would be conducted without political influence, adding that the probe will involve international investigators to track fund movements. The KVDA has disputed the Sh21 billion figure, asserting only Sh7.8 billion was paid, with Sh6.3 billion in mobilization funds. Investigators allege Sh4 billion was used for kickbacks.
