Three Kenyan Ministers to face trial over Sh65b dams scam

Three Kenyan ministers or Cabinet secretaries (CSs) are on the verge of facing prosecution over the multi-billion-shilling dams’ scandal.

Media outlet, The Standard digital reported that the three top government officials are among individuals the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions has recommended be prosecuted over the stalled Sh65 billion Arror and Kimwarer dams in Elgeyo Marakwet.

Two assistant ministers or principal secretaries are also lined up for prosecution for their role in the scam with at least 10 individuals set for prosecution.

Standard further reported that investigators were also directed to inquire into why the designs for the dams were being done “post-fact”, meaning after payments and contracts had been made.

At least five Cabinet secretaries – Henry Rotich, Mwangi Kiunjuri, Eugene Wamalwa, Adan Mohamed and Peter Munya – were questioned over the scandal.Their principal secretaries, top Treasury officials, those from Kerio Valley Development Authority, Kenya Forest Service and several government agencies have also recorded statements over the scandal.

Treasury had paid Sh21 billion but no works have started at the site.

The project was to be a joint venture by KVDA, CMC di Ravenna and Itinera of Italy. Arror dam was to cost Sh38.5 billion and Kimwarer dam Sh28 billion.

Meanwhile, the Kerio valley development authority board Thursday evening axed David Kimosop as its managing director over his role in the scandal.

KVDA has appointed Francis Kipkech on acting capacity to replace Kimosop-the move comes after head of public service joseph Kinyua in a letter to east Africa community cabinet secretary Adan Mohammed asked the KVDA board to replace Kimosop who has been the center of the probe into 21 billion shillings arror and Kimwarer dam scandals.