Leaders want Ruto probed in Sh21b dam scam, ask Uhuru to fight graft

Siaya Governor Cornel Rasanga (left), Siaya Senator James Orengo (center) with ODM’s Chris Karan at a political rally in Sega, Ugenya Constituency. [Collins Oduor, Standard]

A number of politicians want investigators to question Deputy President William Ruto over a scandal surrounding construction of two dams in Rift Valley.

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) politicians, led by Senate minority leader James Orengo, said investigation over the alleged Sh21 billion scandal would not be complete until Dr Ruto recorded a statement.

They said the statement should detail what he knew about the amount of money lost in the scam.

Speaking at Sega market in on Saturday, Mr Orengo said he would lead a private prosecution against Ruto if Directorate of Criminal Investigations boss George Kinoti and the Director of Public Prosecutions Noordin Haji failed to investigate Ruto.

"Ruto must record a statement because he is a person of interest. He has the information the police needs. He is not above the law," Orengo said.

At the rally

The rally was also attended by MPs Elisha Odhiambo (Gem), Christine Ombaka (Siaya), Sam Atandi (Alego), Opiyo Wandayi (Ugunja) and Gideon Ochanda (Bondo).

They asked Ugenya voters to support the ODM candidate in the forthcoming by-elections, saying the party needed numbers in Parliament.

The leaders urged President Uhuru Kenyatta not to be intimidated by MPs allied to Ruto.

They said they were worried "continued attacks" on Uhuru and Opposition leader Raila Odinga by a clique of MPs from Rift Valley.

Mr Wandayi told Uhuru the ODM fraternity supported him and urged him to firmly fight corruption.

"He (Uhuru) should stay firm and fight corruption without fear. Desperate times call for desperate measures. He should be more ruthless because he is the one with ," said Mr Wandayi.