By Roselyne O
The investigation into the 21 billion shilling dam projects has revealed significant complexities, prompting the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Haji to request additional time to address the case. The probe, which began with the questioning of Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich, has expanded to include multiple government officials and international entities.
Haji emphasized the scale of the financial transactions and the involvement of numerous parties, stating, "The shocking magnitude of the amounts involved and the range of parties of interest have made the investigation complex." The DPP also hinted at the need for international cooperation to identify key figures behind the deals.
Rotich's interrogation, which extended late into the night, has raised concerns within the Cabinet. His lawyer, Katwa Kigen, clarified that while Rotich accounted for his actions, there is no evidence he implicated colleagues. "The CS accounted for his actions and where responsibility rested elsewhere, he said as much. That is not the same as to say he implicated anyone," Kigen stated.
The investigation covers several stalled projects, including the Kimwarer and Arror Dams, which have seen significant spending without progress. The DPP is also examining the role of an Italian contractor, Cooperative Muratori e Cementisti (CMC Di Ravena), and seeking CCTV footage of a meeting in Italy. "We must trace where and to whom every shilling has been paid to establish any intended corrupt payments," Haji said.
Political tensions have intensified, with Deputy President William Ruto accusing investigators of a witch-hunt. Meanwhile, President Uhuru Kenyatta and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga have publicly supported the probe. The DPP is weighing its prosecution strategy amid the high-profile nature of the case.
Source: The Standard
