This archive report was first published on 2 October 2019.
On June 7, Deputy President William Ruto launched a 5.3 billion irrigation project in Siaya and Busia counties, claiming it would boost rice production and prevent destructive floods.
However, the project's implementation was marred by controversy, with three agencies involved in the project telling the Public Accounts Committee that it was inappropriate to launch the project when the acquisition of land had not been settled.
Water Principal Secretary Joseph Irungu stated that the ministry was not aware of the DP's plans, saying, 'Had I been asked, I would have said we hold on as we had not compensated anybody in Siaya and it was not proper to go on with the launch.'
Water CS Simon Chelugui, a close associate of DP Ruto, was present at the launch, but Irungu said he was not formally contacted.
Ugunja MP Opiyo Wandayi, whose constituency lies within the project area, also expressed concern, stating that his office was not involved in the project and that he only learned of it through the media.
The revelations have raised questions about the legitimacy of various projects being launched by the President across the country, with critics accusing Ruto of using development projects as a campaign tool for his 2022 presidential bid.
