Ngilu appears before KACC

By ATHMAN AMRAN

Water Minister Charity Ngilu presented herself at the Kenya Anti-Corruption Commission (KACC) offices in Nairobi, to defend herself against allegations of corruption.

Ngilu spent about one-and-a half hours at Integrity House and when she came out at 10.30am, she refused to talk to reporters, who were waiting for her.

"Nimeenda (I’m gone)," is all she said before she left in her official car.

KACC Director PLO Lumumba said Ngilu was asked to respond to corruption allegations made against her.

"I believe she will work with us until we form a basis of allegations to be presented to the Attorney General," Prof Lumumba said.

Yesterday, a public relations officer at KACC, Catherine Wambui, said in a statement Ngilu appeared at 9am to shed light on issues touching on parastatals in the Ministry of Water, particularly Tanathi Water Services Board and National Water Conservation and Pipeline Corporation.

Wambui noted that the specific issues were: Conflict of interest in award of tenders and contracts to companies associated with her and irregular procurement and tendering procedures in the construction of dams and boreholes.

However, the KACC director said the investigations were based on accusations presented to the commission by former Water Assistant Minister Mwangi Kiunjuri, who is now Public Works Assistant Minister, and other Kenyans.

"The assistant minister has already appeared twice and we would call him again if we see any need to do so," Lumumba said. He added KACC would also recall Ngilu if there were any issues that would need clarification.

Lumumba said the commission has called many other officers and would continue to call others concerning the investigations into allegations of corruption at the Ministry of Water. The KACC director also said a number of Cabinet ministers and Permanent Secretaries are expected to appear before KACC over allegations of corruption.