Ngilu dismisses Kiunjuri's claims

By Martin Mutua and Kepher Otieno

Water and Irrigation Minister Charity Ngilu has dismissed allegations of corruption by her former assistant Mwangi Kiunjuri.

She wondered why Mr Kiunjuri realised there was corruption in the ministry only after he was transferred to the Roads Ministry.

"I am not the appointing authority and Kiunjuri should direct his anger at the President who appoints ministers, transfers them and even fires them because we all work at his pleasure," she said.

The minister said Ukambani has all along been regarded a hardship area and there has always been an outcry for the area to be provided with water to enable residents be self-reliant in food production.

"Now that water is flowing in Ukambani, that has become a problem again and it seems it is paining some people from some communities who only think they are the only ones who should benefit from everything," added Mrs Ngilu.

Deserve support

At the same time, Prime Minister Raila Odinga has denied defending leaders implicated in corruption.

"I have never and will never support anybody bruised by graft. I only said State officers doing good work deserve support," said Raila at Sony Sugar in Awendo, Migori County.

He clarified that the fight against graft was aimed at restoring sanity in the country’s management and discounted claims it was a witch-hunt.

"We want to give the State anti-corruption agencies sufficient time to do their work diligently guided by the law," Raila assured.

He said even those under investigations should not be condemned unless they are found guilty.

Suspended Higher Education Minister William Ruto, former Nairobi Mayor Geophrey Majiwa and suspended PS Sammy Kirui are some of the prominent individuals facing court cases over graft claims.