Mwingi Central Member of Parliament Gideon Mulyungi has publicly apologised to Canadian non-governmental organisation Life Water Canada following controversial remarks and threats he previously directed at the charity over its water projects in his constituency.
In a statement, Mulyungi acknowledged that his remarks may have damaged the organisation’s reputation and expressed regret over his comments.
“Today I want to categorically apologise to Life Water Canada for the heartbreaking remarks I made about the NGO and the damage I may have caused to the organisation,” Mulyungi said.
The MP went on to affirm the credibility of Life Water Canada and Life Water Rescue, describing the organisations as transparent, accountable and honest.
“I want to confirm that Life Water Canada and Life Water Rescue are very credible organisations, transparent, accountable, honest and very friendly people and they are not engaged in any corrupt deals in Mwingi Central or any other part of Kenya,” he added.
Mulyungi also reassured his constituents that the organisation would continue implementing its projects in the area without interruption and in close partnership with the community and his office.
The apology comes days after a video of the MP confronting Life Water Canada over its borehole projects went viral online.
In the video seen by TNX Africa, Mulyungi accused the Canadian charity of failing to adequately involve local residents and his office in the implementation of its projects.
“Life Water Canada, I want to tell you that this is Mwingi Central in Kitui County, in Kenya. We do not like corruption. You must involve the community in whatever you do, and you must involve the Member of Parliament,” he said.
He then issued a stern warning to the organisation over its continued work in the constituency.
“If you don't do that, you can take your boreholes back to Canada. Hatutaki. Washindwe, washindwe,” Mulyungi added.
The remarks sparked mixed reactions online, with some Kenyans questioning the MP’s stance on water projects aimed at addressing persistent water shortages in the area.
Critics argued that community water initiatives should be supported as long as they comply with relevant regulations, are implemented transparently and involve local communities.
Life Water Canada is a Canadian charity involved in water, sanitation and hygiene initiatives in several countries, including Kenya, Haiti, Nigeria and Liberia.